6th August, 2011
Amidst tight security Friday at the Oyo State House of Assembly, nominees were screened to act as caretaker chairmen for 25 of the 33 local governments in the state.
The remaining eight were stepped down yesterday due to controversy that trailed their nominations.
Heavy security operatives were deployed to the entrance gates of the secretariat as they only allowed access to party chieftains. The secretariat also houses the legislative building and governor’s office.
No single pressman was allowed to cover the screening as it was made a close door exercise.
Most pressmen that came for the exercise were turned back.
The door to the press gallery was locked.
Speaking, Head of Information in the House of Assembly, Pastor Lekan Kolade who was also locked out told PM News, “No journalist is allowed in. Even me, I am outside”.
But investigation revealed that first to be screened, was Oyo State Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Wasiu Olatubosun who was only asked to take a bow and go.
Our sources revealed, “They did not ask Wasiu a single question. He came in and they asked him to take a bow”.
After the screening, the legislators summoned all the nominees screened after 5pm to a closed door meeting that lasted about one hour at the legislative chamber.
Our source revealed that none of the nominees was dropped.
Information revealed that they would be sworn in next Tuesday or Wednesday.
By Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan