As a columnist committed to truth and justice, I feel compelled to address the recent allegations leveled against Hon. David Idris Zacharias, the representative of Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela, and Ofu Federal Constituency in Kogi State.
These accusations, primarily reported by PREMIUM TIMES, claim that Zacharias, as part of a House of Representatives committee, allegedly solicited bribes from federal agencies under investigation for job racketeering.
Additionally, past claims from 2022 regarding the use of different names and forged credentials have resurfaced, casting a shadow over his reputation.
While such allegations are serious and warrant scrutiny, it is equally critical to approach them with fairness, demanding concrete evidence rather than allowing unverified claims to tarnish a public servant’s record.
Hon. Zacharias has been a dedicated figure in Kogi State politics, representing his constituency with a track record of service that deserves acknowledgment. His political journey began earnestly in 2015 when he contested for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, only to face defeat in the primaries. Undeterred, he persevered and secured a resounding victory in 2019, defeating the incumbent Emmanuel Egwu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a landslide upheld by the election tribunal on August 22, 2019.
This triumph was not a fluke but a testament to his grassroots support and commitment to his constituents, as reaffirmed by his re-election in 2023, which withstood another legal challenge from PDP’s Victor Uchola.
The tribunal’s dismissal of Uchola’s petition, coupled with fines for frivolous claims, underscores the legitimacy of Zacharias’ mandate.
The bribery allegations tied to the House committee’s investigation into job racketeering are serious but lack specificity. PREMIUM TIMES’ report, while bold, has not been accompanied by concrete evidence directly implicating Zacharias.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed it is probing these claims, but no findings have been released to substantiate them.
Allegations alone do not constitute guilt, and it is unjust to convict Zacharias in the court of public opinion without due process.
The House of Representatives itself has called for evidence from accusers, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and anti-corruption efforts under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. Until verifiable proof emerges, these claims remain speculative and risk being weaponized as political tools to discredit a lawmaker who has consistently championed his people’s interests.
The 2022 accusations of forged credentials and inconsistent names are equally troubling but appear rooted in political rivalry rather than fact.
These claims, raised by some APC members, alleged that Zacharias used multiple names across documents, leading to his brief disqualification from the APC primaries.
However, Zacharias went on to win the primaries and the 2023 election, suggesting that the issue was either resolved or lacked sufficient merit to hold legal weight. The use of different name variations is not uncommon in Nigeria, where cultural naming practices and clerical errors can create discrepancies without fraudulent intent.
Without clear evidence of deliberate forgery, these accusations seem more like attempts to derail Zacharias’ rising political profile, as he himself suggested in response to separate smear campaigns in 2022.
Beyond these controversies, Zacharias’ contributions to his constituency speak volumes.
His Zacharias Foundation has provided scholarships, relief materials during the 2012 flood disaster, and support for schools across his constituency, earning him widespread goodwill. These are not the actions of a self-serving politician but of one committed to uplifting his community.
Critics may argue that allegations of bribery and forgery reflect systemic issues in Nigerian politics, and they are not wrong to demand accountability. However, targeting Zacharias without substantiated evidence risks overshadowing his verifiable contributions.
The judiciary, which he has praised as the “last hope of the common man,” has consistently upheld his electoral victories, signaling trust in his mandate. To his detractors, I echo the words of SHAC’s coordinator, Mary Johnson: provide concrete evidence or refrain from vague accusations.
In conclusion, Hon. David Idris Zacharias deserves the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. His political journey, marked by resilience and service, should not be overshadowed by unverified claims.
Let us demand evidence, uphold due process, and focus on the substantive work of leaders like Zacharias, who continue to fight for their constituents amidst Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
Pamela writes from Abuja.
