N10b Reps Loan Scandal: Probe Bankole —Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has called on the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to probe the N10 billion loan obtained by the House of Representatives, led by Dimeji Bankole.

Oshiomhole, who was a guest lecturer at an event marking the 20th anniversary of TELL magazine, held at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Southwest Nigeria, yesterday, spoke on “Agenda for Deeping Democracy, Good Governance in the next four years and beyond”.

Oshiomhole deplored the profligacy and corruption by the lawmakers.

He said: “The latest report of an apparently dubious overdraft facility amounting to N10 billion cannot be swept under the carpet by the EFCC and ICPC,” he said.

Oshiomhole expressed shock that people have become quiet over the issue, saying that such a huge scandal ought to have elicited protest by Nigerians at the behest of the labour unions.

He, therefore, blamed the dire state of the economy and the docility of the people on the elites, who have failed to lead the way.

The governor also charged the Federal Government to create jobs as a panacea to provocations and lawlessness.

“The greatest threat to democracy are the tensions and explosions usually provoked by mass unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and other consequences of economic and social dislocation,” he said.

The controversial N10 billion loan has put the Speaker, Dimeji Bankole on the spot, with a member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, calling for his suspension.

—Folarin Ademosun