Oyo APC Chieftain Urges Police, DSS to Protect Lawmaker Amid N300bn Loan Controversy

AbdulWaheed Olatunde Lawal, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure from Oyo State, has called on the party’s state chairman, Olayide Abas, to engage the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the safety of Ibraheem Shittu, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Lawal’s appeal comes in the wake of Shittu’s allegations regarding a controversial N300 billion loan approved by the Assembly for Governor Seyi Makinde.

Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, was the first to publicly disclose that the Oyo State House of Assembly had approved a N300 billion loan for Governor Makinde. He claimed that this decision was made during an emergency sitting while the Assembly was on recess, without informing all members. In response, the Assembly dismissed Shittu’s allegations as baseless, labeling him an absentee lawmaker who rarely attends plenary sessions.

Lawal, sharing the same local government area as Shittu, expressed concern over potential threats to the lawmaker’s safety due to his whistleblowing. He emphasized that the APC must not abandon Shittu, who he believes is facing danger for exposing alleged financial misconduct. Lawal urged the party leadership to take immediate action to protect Shittu and uphold his right to report corruption without fear of retaliation.

Lawal has called on the APC to:

• Publicly affirm Shittu’s right to expose alleged financial improprieties.
• Engage with the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS in Oyo State to ensure Shittu’s safety.
• If threats persist, petition the APC National Working Committee and the President to invoke federal protection for Shittu.

The unfolding N300 billion loan controversy has highlighted internal conflicts within the Oyo State House of Assembly and raised concerns about the safety of lawmakers who challenge decisions. Lawal’s call for protective measures underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals who expose potential corruption, ensuring that democratic processes remain transparent and accountable