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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Discontent is brewing among members of the House of Representatives elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform following the alleged deduction of N1.4 million from their September allowances. The deductions were reportedly made to fund the election of Edo State's governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, alongside contributions for flood victims in Borno and the family of late former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
Senator Okpebholo won the gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024, with 291,667 votes, defeating his main rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. However, the decision by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to unilaterally deduct over N1 million from each APC lawmaker's allowance to support Okpebholo has sparked outrage and accusations of insensitivity from his colleagues.
Sources within the House revealed that the deductions comprised N1 million to support Okpebholo's election, N200,000 for flood victims in Borno, and N200,000 for the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba's family. While the Senate leadership reportedly consulted its members before making similar deductions to support Okpebholo, the House leadership’s actions have been met with fierce criticism for lacking transparency and engagement with members.
One disgruntled lawmaker, who requested anonymity, stated, “They didn’t deem it fit to seek our opinions and consent before they tampered with our legitimate earnings. This is too bad, especially for some of us who are not getting extra income as members of the House. For us, N1 million is a big deal.”
The backlash from the APC lawmakers has created a rift within the ruling party, with many members feeling marginalized and disrespected by their leadership. Some have expressed that they feel like “laughing stocks” in comparison to opposition members who occupy lucrative committee positions while they face financial strain.
“Our leadership does not treat us like colleagues but like aides who can be ignored,” lamented another member. “This is the height of insensitivity on their part not to even consider engaging us before deducting funds meant for us.”
As frustrations mount, the leadership of the House is reportedly making attempts to pacify the aggrieved lawmakers. However, many members are spoiling for a confrontation, feeling that their concerns are being brushed aside.
House spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr. declined to comment on the situation, despite repeated inquiries from the media. The ruling APC party initially had 162 members in the House during the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, but subsequent court rulings have altered the composition, further complicating the dynamics within the party.
As tensions rise, the potential for a rift within the APC in the House of Representatives could have significant implications for party unity and legislative effectiveness in the coming months.
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