The lawmaker representing Oredo East constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha, has stated that Nigeria has been plunged into serious hardship due to the fallen price of oil.
Iyoha, who is Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Industry, said gone were the days when people trooped into Abuja, thinking that there was bazaar there.
Iyoha was reacting to a report that some lawmakers elected on the platform of the APC were threatening to dump the party over the refusal of the governor to provide good welfare package, especially for the trip to the United States to attend the annual Edo Convention.
He described the report as orchestrated by some fifth columnists, who wanted to cause mischief in the state.
Iyoha said the lawmakers were aware of the lean finances of the state, adding that they could not have demanded money to travel to the United States for the purpose of attending Edo Convention.
His words, “As far as I am concerned, the governor is not owing us any entitlement. We have been paid as at when due. We know things are difficult at this time in this country. It is not something akin to only Edo.
“There is general hardship in the country due to drop in the price of oil. You no longer go to Abuja think there is a bazaar there.
“We do not expect the governor to secure loans to service a few people. Whenever we vote for the governor to borrow money, we know it is for the good of the state. The governor is not owing us any entitlement.”
Iyoha added: “It is not true the governor has refused to release money for overseas trip. If things get better, there is no reason for the governor not to approve for such trip. If the money is not there, I do not know what magic you want the governor to perform. The governor has been supporting the lawmakers and the House has been responsive.
“We are not starved of fund. The man is working. If Edo people are happy with the governor, I think the lawmakers should be happy because they are the representatives of the people.”
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