AGENE GODWIN, Benin
IT was a rowdy session Tuesday at the Edo State House of Assembly, when the lawmakers refused to commence proceedings over what they described as alleged failure by the state government to pay some money owed to the lawmakers.
The drama started when Speaker Victor Edoror was about to commence proceedings. Majority of the lawmakers thundered “no,no, no, no more proceedings.” Efforts by the clerk of the House and the Speaker to calm the members proved abortive until the member representing Owan West constituency, Mr Victor Aisien moved a motion to adjourn sine die.
Consequently, Governor Adams Oshiomhole invited the leadership of the House to a meeting Tuesday afternoon, following what people described as a rebellion against the governor.
It was gathered that the lawmakers were angry that their vehicles have not been purchased by the state Government since they were sworn in last year. It was also learnt that the issue of welfare and funds for constituency projects have not been released to them.
It would be recalled, however, that the governor had during the signing into law of the 2016 budget last Monday, lamented the inability of the state government to purchase the vehicles for the lawmakers due to paucity of funds.
While commending the lawmakers for their patience so far, Oshiomhole had assured that the outstanding issues will be sorted out as soon as the funds improved.
According to a source that pleaded anonymity, the legislators want to embarrass Gov. Oshiomhole, even in the twilight of his administration, for failing to give them their due.
The meeting called by the governor, the source further said, is in an attempt to calm the frayed nerves of the legislators who, he said, could still do some damage.
