By Adeyinka Adeniran
The All Progressives Congress, Oyo State on Monday engaged in a war of words with State Assembly over an alleged plan to victimize its (APC) lawmaker Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, as the House reaume for legislative business.
The APC in the statement saluted the people of Saki town who it said demonstrated rare courage by speaking against the fraudulent loan and the condemnation of Hon. Shittu by the leadership of the state legislative arm and the PDP.
Sadare said, “We have uncovered a number of plans by some individuals who are close to Gov. Makinde to get back at a member of the State Assembly on an assumption that he blew the whistle over the latest N300billion loan and alerted the public but the truth of the matter is that the said lawmaker only responded to an inquiry made by his party (APC). It was indeed the leadership of his party who asked about his involvement in the controversial approval given by the legislative arm.
“Now that Gov. Makinde’s men have found an enemy in the three consistent APC members in the House, they are doing everything possible to frustrate them. Part of the plans is to mobilize some thugs to the entrance of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday with a view to unleashing them on the APC lawmakers especially Hon. Shittu who has been marked for physical assault and public harassment.
“Also, plans have been concluded by the leadership of the House to accuse Hon. Shittu of breaching some rules upon which he would be made to face a kangaroo panel and handed an indefinite suspension from the Assembly Complex. These satanic plans and many more are being sponsored by some unscrupulous elements around the governor who profit from the various sharp practices which the current administration has perpetrated since 2019.
“It is on this note that we call on eminent personalities within and outside the state to prevail on Gov. Makinde to halt every plan being put in place by his agents who are desperate to shut the mouth of the opposition in the state. We also call on the heads of all security agencies in the state to be alive to their responsibility by ensuring that the rights of every citizen, including Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, is not trampled upon in addition to guaranteeing his safety.” Sadare said.
Responding to the allegation, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Afairs and ICT, Waheed Akintayo described the allegations as false, mischievous, and ill-conceived narrative.
He said the Assembly find it imperative to respond to allegations, not merely to counter the APC’s attempt to blackmail and arm-twist the legislative arm through its defective preemptive tactics, but because it owe the people of tje state the truth, saying, “it is our duty to provide accurate context and facts, and to set the record straight.”
Akkntayo in a statement said, “As a responsible legislative institution with a consistent track record of peaceful and orderly conduct since 2019, we find it both laughable and regrettable that the Oyo APC would descend to such depths of desperation. It is characteristic of their political playbook, one that has become commonplace in APC-controlled states to fabricate claims of thuggery and intimidation.
“The suggestion that thugs are being mobilized against Hon. Shittu ahead of the resumption of plenary is not only absurd but a reflection of the APC’s own tendencies, not ours.
“The fact that this hallowed chamber has chosen the path of peace, in line with its vision and constitutional mandate, does not in any way diminish its authority or responsibility to institute disciplinary measures against any member found to have violated the standing rules and regulations of the House. Our commitment to peace is rooted in respect for the people we represent and the sanctity of this noble democratic institution.
“The APC’s claims appear to be a desperate attempt to politicize the already clarified N300 billion loan facility approved by the Oyo State Government. Contrary to their misleading narrative, the approval process was transparent, diligent, and in full compliance with established legislative procedures. The emergency sitting at which the loan was approved was convened because the facility was deemed not only essential but also urgent and expedient for the infrastructural and socio-economic development of the state.
“Let it be categorically stated that there is no plot real or imagined, to victimize Hon. Ibrahim Shittu or any other lawmaker. The Oyo State House of Assembly remains a bastion of democracy, where all members, regardless of party affiliation, are treated with respect, fairness, and afforded the freedom to express their views.
“These allegations are not only false but have been amplified in bad faith for political gains. They represent a disservice to the legislative arm of government and an insult to the intelligence of the good people of Oyo State.
“We call on the APC to desist from peddling unfounded claims and fear-mongering tactics that serve only to stoke unnecessary tension. Rather than indulging in political theatrics, the opposition should embrace constructive criticism free from the double standards that see them remain silent or complicit when similar disciplinary actions are taken at the national level. We urge them to engage responsibly and demonstrate genuine commitment to the growth and progress of Oyo State.
“As a responsible legislative body, we will not be distracted by fabricated claims and false narratives. Our focus remains steadfast: to support policies and initiatives that uplift the lives of the people of Oyo State and advance the development of our beloved state.
“We enjoin all well meaning stakeholders to disregard the misleading narrative being propagated by the APC and to join hands with the present administration in building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Oyo State.”
