Lawmakers decry wastage in govt, bombing, others

TWO members of the National Assembly yesterday lamented that massive wastage plagued governance in Nigeria and that this must be plugged to move the country forward.

One of them, the member representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Abiodun Balogun, who spoke with journalists in Abeokuta, said the use of convoys had been abused by political office holders.

His words: “There is a whole lot of wastage in the system. For example, by law, ministers are not supposed to be using convoys or sirens but the situation in present-day Nigeria is that ministers use sirens and convoys everywhere they are going, thereby harassing and oppressing the people. This situation does not only show military mentality but it is also abuse of power”.

Abiodun disclosed that the House of Representatives would soon make a law that would compel in-coming government to continue uncompleted projects left behind by its predecessor.

Also, a member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Ime Okon, has called on those he described as “Muslim extremists” to sheath their sword in the interest and unity of the country.

In an interview with The Guardian, Okon described as untrue that what happened on Christmas day was a clear indication of Muslims war against Christians in the country.

His words: “I don’t think so because I know that well-meaning Muslims do not think that way. The mere fact that a few extremists perpetuate this dastardly act should not make it to be generalised”.

Okon stated that the Christmas Day attacks were “a terrible thing to have happened to the country considering the time. Christmas is a time to show and share love. It is a dangerous thing because it may affect the unity of this nation.

“It is my honest view that this dastardly act should be brought to an end as soon as possible so that the unity of this country is not threatened.

“I call on Mr. President to put in place proactive measures to end the incessant occurrence of this ‘new trend’ of killings in the country. It is a very dangerous trend”.

Okon added: “My advice to these set of extremists is that they should see reason and stop what they are doing against their fellow Nigerians. They should take the interest and unity of the country as paramount. They should stop wasting human lives. I think it is time they sheath their sword”.

On the proposed removal of oil subsidy, Abiodun stated: “The removal of oil subsidy is premature. It is the government that is inefficient and it would be unfair for Nigerians to pay for government’s inefficiency.

“Even if the oil subsidy is removed, how are we sure that the funds that would accrue from its removal would be properly utilised for the benefit of the people? I appeal to the President to consider the poor and put a stop to this removal of oil subsidy. The President believes in the rule of law, so we are appealing to him to listen to the plea of the people”.

____________

By Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh (Uyo) and Charles Coffie Gyamfi (Abeokuta)

Get more trends like this

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.

Get more trends like this
in your inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.