There are worries and fears if all members of the Imo State House of Assembly will attend the 2018 budget presentation by Governor Rochas Okorocha expected to hold on December 12 at the Assembly complex.
Baring last minute changes, Okorocha is expected to present the 2018 budget to the House after a failed attempt on November 28 when House members boycotted the presentation.
The recent fears is emanating over the seeming division in the House. 16 members are suspected not to be disposed to the budget presentation since the Governor had to address some of their grievances. 11 of them are on the side of Speaker and perhaps the Governor.
Before now, the 27 Assembly men had stayed away from the 2018 budget presentation due to the inability of the Governor to explain to them the second tranche of the Bail Out funds and an alleged 880 million allegedly that trickled into the State without the knowledge of the lawmaker.
They were also unhappy that despite the influx of the alleged funds, their welfare which include their Constituency Votes was ignored as they were also treated like errand boys by the Governor.
This led to series of intrigues and back biting which culminated in the resignation of the Majority Leader, Lugard Osuji and his deputy, Kennedy Ibe and the House Chief whip. Osuji had moved a motion for the sack of the House Clerk, Chris Duru which was approved by the House members. In a sudden u turn, the Speaker, Acho Ihim reversed the suspension order.
Despite the impression bandied about that House members are on the same page, tommorow’s Budget presentation will really reveal a clear picture of the situation.
