The relative peace that has been enveloping the Imo House of Assembly, is about to be disturbed again, following agitations from some members, who question the rationale of an alleged One Million (N1M) payment to some members, while leaving out others.
A source from the House of Assembly told TRUMPETA in confidence that about six members among the Lawmakers have been receiving payment for their loyalty and facilitating the 2018 Budget to be passed in the House by the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
The source said that this latest situation has divided the House into two camps, with some APC members lending support to the latest quest, which the source said would soon tear the House apart.
Trumpeta was told that because of the divide and rule system now that has been entrenched in the House, suspicion now rules the House, as each member watches the other with one eye open.
A Lawmaker who spoke to TRTUMPETA affirmed that a certain sum is changing hand every end of the month, from the Executive to some Lawmakers, who have been drafted to do the Executive’s wash, and therefore receiving N1m every month.
The Lawmaker said that this trend commenced last year December after the Governor passed the Budget.
A lawmaker who spoke to Trumpeta under anonymity said that the Governor should be prepared to extend the monthly largesse to all the members of the House, devoid of camp or political party, or else the House will know no peace soon.
“We all are members. You cannot be “settling” some members and disregard others and expect a peaceful House of Assembly. From hence forth, whatever the Speaker and the Governor want they will get it. After all, we are all nearing our exit date. So what do I lose? We shall see” the Lawmaker told Trumpeta.
Another Lawmaker said “We are suffering because we saved the face of the House last year during the failed Budget presentation. This is a Legislature for Christsake. How can a Governor give information to the Parliament on Budget presentation through FaceBook, without proper routing the letter?”
The Lawmaker said that it is the attitude of the Speaker that makes the Executive to treat the 8th Imo House of Assembly like school children, than respected Legislators.
Another Lawmaker from Okigwe zone told TRUMPETA that their colleagues that are in the pay roll of the Executive are from Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones, all joining hand to sabotage the House.
“We have their names. We shall disclose their names soon for Imo people and their constituents to take note”. An Orlu zone Lawmaker told Trumpeta.
