Politics
Fayemi, Adeosun court anger of Reps over Ajaokuta Steel
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and in his state counterpart, Bawa Bwari as well as the sole administrator of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The lawmakers had summoned them for a debate on the steel sector, which was targeted at finding solutions to the troubled Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
The lawmakers equally passed a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who was also absent at the debate.
But following absence of the ministers and the sole administrator of the Ajaokuta Steel Company at the debate, the House leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the actions of the trio as a contempt against the House and moved a motion for vote of no confidence against them.
In moving the motion, Mr. Gbajabiamila said, “The minister did not have the courtesy to reply but asked the permanent secretary to do so two weeks later.”
Noting that the sectoral debate they were invited to attend was for the interest of the country and would have provided an opportunity for them to “clear the air,” on accusations against them, the House leader said, “There is more to it (their absent) than meets the eyes. This is an assault on common sense for the two ministers to have done this.”
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In his contribution to the motion, the House Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, frowned at the action of the ministers and said that it was unfortunate for that to happen “when the country is looking for means to tackle poverty and diversify the economy.”
Further accusing the ministers of undermining the institution of the House of Representatives, he added, “Their absence means something suspicious, insensitive to the plight of the people.”
Meanwhile, unhappy with the actions of the ministers, the lawmakers took a decision to set up a probe committee to investigate the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
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