𝐎𝐲𝐨 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

 

The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed as false and mischievous the claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, alleging a plot by loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde to victimize Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, a member of the APC representing Saki West State Constituency.

This was contained in a statement signed by Hon. Waheed Akintayo, Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, who stressed that the allegations were “not only unfounded but also aimed at blackmailing and undermining the legislative arm of government in the state.”

The Assembly maintained that, “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 added that, “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.”

On the issue of discipline, the statement noted: “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.”

Addressing the N300 billion loan approved for the state government, the Assembly clarified: “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.”

The lawmakers insisted 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.”

The Assembly therefore urged the opposition to embrace responsible engagement. “We call on the APC to desist from peddling unfounded claims and fear-mongering tactics that serve only to stoke unnecessary tension,” the statement read. “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.”