They noted that each constituency is legally entitled to no more than N1 billion in capital projects, making his claim of N19 billion not just alarming but a smoking gun of fraud.
By Moses Okorie
365Daily – Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives are demanding the immediate removal of their leaders, following revelations that its leaders are hobnobbing with the All Progressives Deputy (APC) leadership for personal gains.
The outrage is sequel to a revelation by the Reps Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi, that he secured N19 billion in the 2024 budget while speaking at the Iwa-Iji (New Yam Festival) of the Igwe of Nimo in Anambra State.
They argued that the disclosure is proof of massive budget padding and financial compromise at the heart of the minority caucus.
Ozodinobi, who is a Labour Party lawmaker representing the party’s leader and immediate past presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who is famed for his anti-corruption stance, stunned colleagues when a viral video captured him boasting of the allocation.
They noted that each constituency is legally entitled to no more than N1 billion in capital projects, making his claim of N19 billion not just alarming but a smoking gun of fraud.
“If the least in the 10-man minority leadership is boasting of N19 billion, then what are the others taking home?” one angry lawmaker fumed, accusing the caucus leaders of turning opposition politics into a bazaar of patronage.
The scandal has deepened suspicions that the opposition leadership, led by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been compromised by the APC government.
Dissenting lawmakers argue that instead of confronting hardship, insecurity, and corruption, the caucus has gone mute in exchange for padded projects and cash inducements.
“The minority caucus is supposed to hold the APC to account. But under Chinda, they have done nothing. Their silence is bought and paid for,” another lawmaker charged.
With the viral video fueling anger among members already disgruntled over unpaid contractors and phantom projects, the revolt is gathering steam. Opposition lawmakers are now pressing for a total overhaul of the minority leadership, warning that the caucus has lost credibility with Nigerians.
“This is no longer about politics. It is about integrity. A caucus that boasts of N19 billion allocations while Nigerians starve has no business leading the opposition,” one legislator declared.
In a dramatic twist, 365Daily gathered that several lawmakers are going to table a motion of no confidence against the Minority Leadership when the House reconvenes, a move that could plunge the opposition caucus into a crisis since the start of the 10th Assembly.
365Daily reached out to the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr. For a reaction but did not get any response to calls and text message at the time of publishing this report.