By Adenike Lucas

Yakubu Dogara has denied report that the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, influenced his emergence has speaker.

A spokesman for Hon Dogara who became the speaker of the 8th parliament released a statement in which he refuted Senator Peter Nwabaoshi’s claims that Ibori, had used powers from behind bars to help him get the top job in the House of Representative.

Mr Ibori was recently released from Huntcombe medium security prison, in Nutffield, UK, where he served time for corruption.

A video has surfaced online showing people gathered together at Mr Ibori’s house to mark his release.

One of those seen in the video, Senator Nwaoboshi was heard making the comment about those Mr Ibori had used his influence to secure their political appointment.

Tukur Hassan, the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs said : “We have watched the video clip and noticed that there is nowhere the distinguish senator mentioned Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara by name.

“For the records, we want to state that Rt. Hon. Speaker was elected by the votes of members House of Representatives. There may well be silent supporters and well  wishers of the honourable speaker from far and near, some of whom he may mot be aware,” he added.

A lawmaker from Kano had also accused the Speaker of padding the 2016 budget.