Farin Ruwa Waterfalls, Nasarawa State
House Committee Chairman on Information, Mohammed Baba Ibaku confirmed to Daily Trust that already, a contractor has been engaged to procure and deliver the vehicles to members after receiving payment for the job.
He said: “Constitutionally we have to travel, and he (Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura) has to pay for those trips.” He declined to confirm or deny that the sum of N100 million has been paid to the House for their foreign trips. He also declined to comment on the amount each member was paid as vehicle allowance, for which a firm was contracted to deliver.
Daily Trust gathered that each member was paid N9 million, but the House spokesman said only the Clerk of the House, Mr. Ego Mai Keffi Abashi can make such disclosures as “accounting officer.”
When Daily Trust called, the clerk confirmed the payments, but insisted that he will talk only when he is in his office with the records.
Governor Al-Makura has had nine months’ running battle with members who have continued to press for certain allowances. Members had declined an invitation for them to attend and participate in a three-day retreat on budget, in Makurdi, capital of neighbouring Benue State, but several nights of meetings during which comprise was reached between them and the government, resolved the stand-off.
