The Oyo State House of Assembly has denied the claim by Mr Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, that he wasn’t notified of the August 19 emergency plenary.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the majority leader, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin and the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Waheed Akintayo, and issued in Ibadan on Thursday.
The assembly’s leadership described Shittu’s claim as not only misleading but a reflection of his complete disconnect from legislative responsibilities.
Shittu had accused the leadership of the assembly of excluding him from the emergency plenary session where a N300 billion loan request from the executive was allegedly secretly approved.
The statement clarified that the emergency plenary held on August 19 was duly and officially announced on the assembly’s general platform.
“It is not only unfortunate but shameful that a serving member of the assembly would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance.
“Emergency plenaries are not illegal; they are constitutional and practised in all serious legislatures across Nigeria, including the National Assembly,” the statement read.
The assembly further explained that the N300 billion loan includes N149 billion meant to refinance an existing loan facility with United Bank for Africa .
It stated that the remaining N151 billion constitutes funds to support infrastructure and contractors’ financing.
The assembly also expressed serious concern over Shittu’s abysmal performance and participation rate.
“Upon verification, Shittu’s attendance at plenary sessions stands at a dismal 20 per cent, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.
“He is always absent at all critical legislative sittings, such as the budget presentation and the State of the State Address by the governor.
“Shittu was the only member who failed to participate in the recently concluded extensive oversight visits to executive and local government projects across the state.
“His absence extended to all previous oversight duties and committee assignments, where his contributions are either nonexistent or irrelevant.
“It is clear that Shittu has not only failed his constituents but also betrayed the legislative mandate he was entrusted with.
“He has no bill, no motion, no contribution on the floor, and now seeks to cover his ineffectiveness with lies,” the statement added.
The assembly reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency, and legislative excellence, while urging the public to disregard the politically motivated antics of non-performing lawmakers.
(NAN)
