Lawmakers begin indefinite strike in Oyo over unpaid allowances

LAWMAKERS in the Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday embarked on “strike” to press home their demand for unpaid allowances.

The legislators, who are being owed furniture and car allowances, two months running cost for the Assembly, said they last received salary in August.
As a result of the strike, the sitting that was to take place yesterday was postponed for as long as it would take Governor Abiola Ajimobi to pay all outstanding allowances.

Speaking with reporters on their plight, one of the lawmakers who pleaded anonymity explained that they took the ‘no allowance, no sitting’ decision after all entreaties to have the matter peacefully resolved failed.

“During the last Assembly, during Governor Ajimobi’s first term, all the lawmakers were bought cars. They were also paid furniture allowance. The running cost of the House was also paid regularly. These allowances are statutory.

“We understand that the crash in the price of crude oil has brought the economy to its knees. The consequent drop in revenue affects all the 36 states as well as the Federal Government. But in spite of this dire situation, all other governors have sorted out the allowances of their state Houses of Assembly.’’