In what depicts a revelation of quiescent members of the Federal House of Representatives, Daily Trust revealed the numbers of members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly who have ‘pocketed’ at least N32 billion in two years without sponsoring a single bill.
The revelation shows at least 161 members of the House of Representatives are yet to sponsor a bill more than two years after assuming office. One of the dormant 161 lawmakers is Hon.Jimoh Ojugbele, representing Ado-odo/ Ota Federal Constituency in Ogun State.
Our sources also gathered Jimoh Ojugbele who is in the House of Reps for the second time after securing the same status with Peopls Democratic Party (PDP) platform in 2003 has been receiving hard knocks from the people of his constituency after the revelation of the dormant members of the Federal House of Representatives by one of Nigeria’s popular news media, Daily Trust.
Leader of an Ogun State youth movement, Generation Next, Comrade Oladimeji Balogun had on the movement’s whatsapp platform succinctly posted, “House of Representatives member, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele sponsored NO bill after pocketing N214.7 million in 2 years.”
The post instantly went viral and was consequently feasted upon by the people of Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency.
It was also learnt that the Igbesa born politician has never contributed to any proceeding or debates in the house.
“That was exactly what he did in his first time at the house between 2003 and 2007 when he represented us. He was always sleeping in the chamber while others were busy with proceedings so I am not surprised he has not sponsored any bill this term,” a source informed.
Further digs revealed Hon Jimoh Ojugbele who is planning to vie for the Ogun West Senatorial ticket come 2019 was devastated and humiliated after being informed of the post.
“His constituency aides have been calling those they could reach to pull down some of the posts because they believe it will jeopardize his senatorial ambition.
“Our Rep has not been accessible since we voted for him to represent us at the National Assembly, and besides, he doesn’t come home regularly to feel the plights of his people and we heard this same man is planning to seek for our votes for his senatorial ambition which I don’t think is possible,” the source told our reporter.
However, it was also gathered that the disturbed lawmaker had reached out to the personality behind the post, Oladimeji Balogun. According to the latter’s facebook post, Jimoh Ojugbele has contacted him and they have both spoken “at length”.
“I appreciate MHR, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, representing Ado Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, for his prompt response to my ‘noise’ over his performance below expectations. He called and we spoke at length. He has promised to have a meeting with us when he is back in town, so that we can properly table our matter. You are appreciated, sir! Good governance through quality representation that is the ONLY thing I requested for. #OtaMustBeGreatAgain
Oladimeji Balogun is known to be an Ogun State youth advocate, activist and political strategist. His post which has put Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele’s political camp fidgeting is below as posted;
“House of Representatives Member, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele sponsored NO Bill after pocketing N214.7m in two years.
Of the 360 members in the House, only 199 have sponsored at least a bill since their inauguration on June 9, 2015.
They have spent 26 months out of their 4-year tenure, with only 22 months left.
Within the period, the 161 lawmakers pocketed at least N32 billion in allowances and salaries, investigation by this newspaper has revealed.
Each lawmaker gets N7.6 million as running/overhead cost and additional N660, 000 as salary monthly, which amounts to N8.26m monthly.
In the 26 months they spent so far, each lawmaker has pocketed about N214.7m each, totalling N34.576bn.
There are 1066 before the House, with 53 of them coming from the Executive arm, and 23 forwarded from the Senate.