Failled promises, slash in entitlements and benefits of honourable members among other reasons, are cumulative factors generating fresh rumblings in the Imo State House of Assembly.
Observers of the ongoing drama in the House described it as “a deal gone sour”
The rumblings reached a crescendo last week when some members, mainly those of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lamented cut in their salaries and entitlements.
The pay cut was said to have been later extended to members of the ruling party triggering a “revolt” and threat to dump the ruling party.
Aside the issue of pay cut, and other issues bordering on welfare of members, this newspaper gathered that lawmakers are livid with rage over “many unfulfilled promises” to them prior to their defection to the APC from the PDP.
About 20 members of the House who were elected on the platform of the PDP decamped to the APC in January 2020, shortly after Supreme Court sacked Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP as governor,and replaced him with Senator Hope Uzodinma of the APC.
While the promises are said to be legion, members are also said to be irked over the governor’s failure to sack the 27 Chairmen and members of Interim Management Committees, IMC in the local governments.
A source told this newspaper “most of the lawmakers are fed up wondering why after they passed almost all the bills the governor wanted including the controversial N5 billion naira loan for purchase of vehicles for his appointees, they are treated with disdain, including a cut in their salaries.
More lawmakers of APC extraction are said to have concluded arrangements to decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Newspaper reports said nine members of APC extraction are already one foot in the PDP. There are indications that the number may increase as days go by except there is a last ditch effort to sway them change their decision.
On Tuesday, member representing Orlu state constituency, Hon Frank Okolie set the ball rolling when he rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP quitting the All Progressive Congress, APC.
He did not give reasons for his defection, but many believe the move is a “tip of the iceberg” of what will happen in the House in days to come.
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