Unpaid allowances: Oyo lawmakers embark on indefinite strike
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly Wednesday embarked on what they termed as an indefinite strike over nonpayment of their allowances by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
New Nigerian gathered from sources close to the House of Assembly that the lawmakers were being owed furniture and car allowances, two months running cost for the Assembly as at present.
It was learnt that the lawmakers have vowed to continue with the strike until Governor Ajimobi pay all their outstanding allowances.
According to one of the lawmakers, no sitting allowance was paid to them despite all entreaties to have the matter peacefully resolved failed, saying,
“during the last Assembly, during Governor Ajimobi’s first term, all the lawmakers were bought cars. They were also paid furniture. The running cost of the House was also paid regularly. These allowances are statutory.
“We understand that the crash in the price of crude oil has brought the economy to its knees. The consequent drop in revenue affects all the 36 states as well as the Federal Government. But in spite of this dire situation, all other governors have sorted out the allowances of their state houses of assembly. Only those of us who are lawmakers in Oyo State are left languishing throughout the country. Last week, we boycotted sitting to protest lack of concern for our welfare. Without the running cost, the Assembly cannot function. The running cost for the office of the governor is paid regularly. Why is the House left out?”
It was however learnt that the unanimous decision to embark on the strike was discussed at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the House.
