A video has surfaced online featuring Hon. Aderemi Oseni, a Federal Lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the National Assembly, confirming that President Bola Tinubu provided financial support to federal lawmakers to assist their constituents during the current economic hardships. The video has caused a stir in Ibadan, with some constituents demanding accountability from their representatives.
In the video, Oseni, who is an engineer and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FERMA, openly states, “Let me say this for the whole world to hear. Let anyone who has given me any dime apart from the money the President (Bola Tinubu) gave us, should come out and say it. I challenge the person to come out publicly and tell the people. President gave us money to go back to our constituencies and take care of our people.”
Controversy arises in Ibadan after federal lawmaker, Oseni shares #Tinubu's financial support for constituents pic.twitter.com/7zoxLuz1gk
— 9jaspectators (@spectatorsng) March 11, 2024
When asked about some federal lawmakers who have not distributed any support to their constituents, Oseni dismissed their concerns, saying it is their problem.
During a phone-in program on a local radio station in Ibadan, callers expressed their frustration with other lawmakers who have yet to take action, despite the example set by Hon. Remi Oseni, who distributed N10,000 and other goods to constituents. One caller pointed out that while Senator Oloye Sharafadeen Alli from Oyo South has been actively assisting his constituents, Senator Yunus Akintunde from Oyo Central denied receiving any assistance, and Senator Fatai Buhari from Oyo North has remained silent on the matter.
Another caller from Iseyin mentioned that Hon. Adigun Abass Agboworin and Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo) have confirmed receiving support and were seen distributing rice and other aid to their constituents. In contrast, Hon. Shina Oyedeji (O’ Shine) stated on a popular radio show in Ibadan two weeks ago that he had not received any assistance.
The lack of transparency and action from some federal representatives has left constituents disappointed, with one youth leader from Ogbomoso noting that it is perplexing to see some lawmakers claiming to have received nothing while simultaneously upgrading their vehicles and flying first class. The youth leader called on the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass, to publicly disclose the support provided by the government to lawmakers to alleviate the economic challenges facing their constituents.
The radio program host agreed with the callers, emphasizing the importance of making this information public so that people can distinguish between those who are working to alleviate their suffering and those who prioritize personal interests. Additionally, the host stated that the publication of this information would shed light on who truly cares about the welfare of their constituents – the President or the members of the National Assembly, as well as the state governments that have done little to address the current economic issues in the country.
