We weren’t bribed to approve governor’s N350b bond – Taraba lawmakers

 

The Taraba State House of Assembly has refuted the allegation that it received a 1.5 billion naira inducement from the Executive.

The inducement was said to be an aid to approve the executive's  request to access a 350 billion naira bond for developmental projects in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Jalingo the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Mr  Nelson Len, dismissed the allegation as false, misleading, and a politically motivated propaganda aimed at discrediting the legislature.

Recently, the Taraba State House of Assembly approved the State Executive Council's request to secure a 350 billion naira bond from the United Capital Investment House for infrastructural development in the State.

However, following the approval, speculations emerged alleging that lawmakers had received a 1.5 billion naira gratification to facilitate the decision.

The chairman house committee on information, Nelson Len emphasized that no such transaction took place between the Executive and the Legislature.

He described the allegation as a deliberate attempt by the opposition to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the Assembly.

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He stressed that the bond request was approved purely on merit, considering its potential to drive economic growth and infrastructural advancement in the state.

The member clarified that bonds offer more flexible repayment terms than conventional loans and are less vulnerable to economic fluctuations in interest rates, urging citizens to understand the economic benefits of bonds before making conclusions based on misinformation.

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Mr. Len challenged Tarabans to focus on what he described as critical concerns, particularly whether past loans approved by the House for the Executive were fully accessed or not.

   

He reaffirmed that the Taraba State House of Assembly remains an independent institution, working collaboratively with the Executive and not acting as a rubber stamp for its policies.

              

He maintained that lawmakers do not require any form of financial inducement to act in the best interest of the state, as their constitutional responsibility is to legislate for good governance and ensure proper oversight of government activities.

             

The lawmaker  debunked rumours on constituency project allowances, clarifying that such provisions do not exist in the House’s financial framework. 

However, he acknowledged the Governor's continuous support for the Assembly, stating that their cordial relationship is built on mutual respect and the shared vision for Taraba’s development.

The chairman information committee urged Tarabans to remain focused on transparency and accountability in governance, stressing that, the House of Assembly, will continue to uphold its legislative duty of oversight, ensuring that all approved funds are effectively used for the development of Taraba State.