In a robust defense of legislative integrity and transparency, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has issued a robust response rejecting allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding purported plans to victimize Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, a member of the APC representing Saki West State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly. The PDP’s statement, aimed at setting the record straight, underscores the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
The controversy stems from the approval of a N300 billion loan facility by the Oyo State House of Assembly for the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde. This loan approval had earlier been criticized by Hon. Shittu, prompting the APC’s allegations of planned victimization against the lawmaker. The PDP’s response contextualizes these developments within the broader framework of legislative operations and political discourse in Oyo State.
In its statement, the PDP Oyo State Chapter, through Hon. Waheed Akintayo, Chairman of the Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs, and ICT, described the APC’s claims as “false, mischievous, and ill-conceived,” characterizing them as an attempt to blackmail and exert undue pressure on the legislative arm through what it termed “defective preemptive tactics.”
The PDP emphasized the Oyo State House of Assembly’s consistent track record of peaceful and orderly conduct since 2019, finding it regrettable that the APC would resort to fabricating claims of thuggery and intimidation – tendencies the PDP suggests are reflective of the APC’s own political playbook in other states.
Contrary to the APC’s misleading narrative, the PDP affirmed that the N300 billion loan facility’s approval process was transparent, diligent, and compliant with established legislative procedures. The emergency sitting convened for the approval was justified as the facility was deemed essential and urgent for Oyo State’s infrastructural and socio-economic development.
The statement categorically denied any plot, real or imagined, to victimize Hon. Ibrahim Shittu or any other lawmaker, stressing that the Oyo State House of Assembly remains a bastion of democracy where members are treated with respect and fairness irrespective of party affiliation.
The allegations by the APC were dismissed as not only false but amplified in bad faith for political gains, representing a disservice to the legislative arm and an insult to the intelligence of Oyo State’s citizens. The PDP called on the APC to desist from peddling unfounded claims and fear-mongering tactics that serve to stoke unnecessary tension.
Rather than engaging in political theatrics, the PDP urged the opposition to embrace constructive criticism free from double standards evident in their responses to similar actions at national levels. Genuine commitment to Oyo State’s growth and progress was called for.
The PDP affirmed the legislative body’s steadfast focus on supporting policies and initiatives uplifting the people of Oyo State and advancing the state’s development, undeterred by fabricated claims.
The statement concluded by enjoining all well-meaning stakeholders to disregard the APC’s misleading narrative and join hands with the present administration in building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Oyo State.
Hon. Waheed Akintayo signed the statement as Chairman of the relevant committee, reinforcing the legislature’s dedication to truth and progress in Oyo State.
