Femi Otedola, Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Oil Limited on Tuesday appeared before the House
Committee on Ethics and Privileges to substantiate the alleged $620,000 collected by embattled Farouk
Lawan, former chairman Adhoc committee that investigated fuel subsidy regime.
Otedola, who came in his traditional white native guinea brocade with some legal luminary and
principal officials, in a paper made available to us, expressed dismay over the committee's decision to question him in secret.
He said "this is a matter that has generated a lot of public interest and controversy. The House of
Representatives Committee on the management of fuel subsidy headed by Hon. Farouk Lawan held all
its sittings in public. When this issue arose, the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and
Privileges publicly stated that its investigations will be held in public.
"It is therefore surprising and curious that this committee has made a u-turn to hold its investigative  sittings in-camera particularly in the light of unfolding events.
"I strongly believe that the interest of the public will not be best served if this investigation is held
in-camera. I have nothing to hide and will only speak on this issue when this investigation is conducted in a very transparent manner and press as well as the general public are allowed to be present at the sittings of this committee from the beginning of its investigation to its conclusion."
Speaking earlier, Adams Dan-Gambo, chairman House Committee on Ethics and Privileges assured that the committee will treat the issue without fear or favour but be fair to all the parties involved.
He promised that the committee will do justice in the course of discharging its duty.
After declaring the event open, Dan-Gambo asked all the newsmen to vacate the room while the resolved into closed door session where Otedola and his team will respond to questions on the
allegation. It would be recalled that Farouk Lawan also testified before the committee at closed door last Thursday.