The Oyo State House of Assembly has denied allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that it intends to suspend or otherwise victimise Ibrahim Shittu, the APC lawmaker representing Saki West Constituency. The controversy centers on Shittu’s public opposition to Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for a ₦300 billion loan.
APC, via its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, claimed that after Shittu dissociated himself from the Assembly’s approval of the loan, leadership loyal to Governor Makinde planned to set up a “kangaroo panel” to accuse him of breaching Assembly rules, leading to his indefinite suspension. The party also alleged that there were moves to harass and attack him.
In response, the Assembly issued a statement signed by Waheed Akintayo (Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT). It described the accusations as “false, mischievous and politically motivated.” The Assembly said there is no plot, real or imagined, to victimise Shittu or any other member.
Akintayo added that any disciplinary action the House might take would be in accordance with established rules, not in reaction to political opposition. He insisted that the process of approving the ₦300 billion loan was transparent and followed legislative procedures, including an emergency sitting deemed necessary for urgent infrastructural and socio-economic needs.
The APC has called on eminent Nigerians and security agencies to protect Shittu’s rights and ensure that opposition voices are not silenced.
