In a stunning revelation, allegations have surfaced that Senator Sharafadeen Alli, a lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District misrepresented facts concerning the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Igboora Establishment Bill.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that Alli falsely claimed to have sponsored the bill, which seeks to establish a federal medical centre in Igboora, a community in Oyo State.
Investigations have shown that the bill was actually sponsored by a lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, Honourable (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju.
The groundbreaking bill, sponsored by a first-term lawmaker in the House of Representatives, aims to establish the inaugural Federal Medical Centre in Oyo State’s Ibarapa region. This visionary initiative seeks to bridge the healthcare gap in the area, providing the local population with access to top-notch medical services. By introducing this bill, the sole sponsor hopes to transform the healthcare landscape in Ibarapa, ensuring that residents receive the quality care they deserve.
The Bill which was gazetted and appeared in the journal of the National Assembly of Nigeria on July 18, 2023, was read for the first time on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Reports have emerged that Hon. (Dr.) Muraina Ajibola Saubana, a former lawmaker from the 9th Assembly, previously sponsored a similar bill aimed at establishing the Federal Medical Centre Igboora in Oyo State. The bill, tagged HB.347, successfully passed through the House of Representatives, but its journey didn’t end there. Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Yahaya, representing Kebbi North Senatorial District, also sponsored the bill during the 9th Assembly.
Unfortunately, despite being passed on May 10, 2022, the bill failed to secure presidential assent from then-President Muhammadu Buhari. This setback prompted current lawmaker Hon. Adepoju to reintroduce the bill from scratch upon taking office. Since 2023, he has tirelessly pushed for its passage through debates and resource allocation.
While reacting to the bill, Ibarapakan who announced that the next step for the Federal Medical Centre Igboora Bill is transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent, paving the way for it to become law. Hon. Adepoju is optimistic about the President’s swift approval, given his commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
The lawmaker has reaffirmed his dedication to closely monitoring the Bill’s progress, just as he did in the National Assembly, to ensure its successful passage into law. He took this opportunity to congratulate the people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North on the Bill’s achievements thus far.
The controversy has sparked outrage among constituents and colleagues, who feel betrayed by Alli’s alleged deception.
“We are disappointed and feel misled,” said a constituent, who wished to remain anonymous. “Senator Alli’s actions undermine the trust and confidence we have in our leaders.”
When contacted, Alli’s office declined to comment on the matter.
The development has raised questions about the integrity and accountability of public officials in Nigeria.
“This is a serious issue that requires urgent attention,” said a political analyst. “It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance.”
