SaharaReporters gathered that the minister directed members of the House of Representatives to fill and submit special authorization forms to qualify for the collection of five bags of rice (25kg each) per lawmaker.
The House of Representatives has been plunged into fresh controversy following the distribution of bags of rice allegedly donated by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to federal lawmakers, with some members expressing displeasure over the exercise, SaharaReporters can exclusively report.
SaharaReporters gathered that the minister directed members of the House of Representatives to fill and submit special authorization forms to qualify for the collection of five bags of rice (25kg each) per lawmaker.
Meanwhile, the development has triggered anger, with several lawmakers said to be unhappy about being asked to complete administrative forms to access food items donated by a serving minister.
Sources within the House of Representatives told SaharaReporters on Thursday that Umahi informed members that only duly completed forms would be recognised for the administration, processing, and validation of the rice distribution.
According to the sources, the rice, five bags of 25kg each per lawmaker, was donated by the Minister of Works, but the procedure attached to its collection sparked internal discontent.
“Dave Umahi sent five bags of rice (25kg) each to them. Some of them were not happy. I don’t know if they finally went to pick the rice or not,” a source privy to the donation told SaharaReporters.
Forms, ID Cards And Rice Collection Point
SaharaReporters obtained a copy of the form circulated to lawmakers through an official WhatsApp group.
The document, titled “STOCK RELEASE AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR MEMBERS,” contains designated spaces for Honourable Member’s Name, Office Number, Authorised By, Received By, and Prepared By.
The form also includes a section marked: “SA Finance Release (5 bags of 25kg).”
Attached to the form is a clear instruction: “NOTE: Kindly attach photocopies of the Hon. Member’s and the receiver’s NASS ID Cards.”
In addition, SaharaReporters learned that a photocopy of a Legislative Aide’s official ID card is required before the form can even be released.
A notice issued to lawmakers and obtained by SaharaReporters further detailed the distribution process.
The notice reads in part: “Distinguished Honourable Members. This is to inform Members that arrangements have been concluded for the distribution of bags of rice donated by the Honourable Minister of Works, in line with the process adopted last year.”
It added that forms for the administration of the rice distribution would be available for collection from Monday morning.
According to the notice, the forms may be collected from the Speaker’s Office by any Legislative Aide whose official ID card bears the name of his or her principal.
“A photocopy of the Legislative Aide’s ID card will be required before the form is released. Each Honourable Member is required to authorise release by signing the form and indicating the name of the staff member who will receive the items on their behalf,” the notice said.
It further instructed that completed forms must be submitted to the Special Adviser on Finance for processing and release.
Venue For Rice Collection Revealed
The statement also disclosed the venue for the rice collection, which SaharaReporters confirmed as: “Garki International Market (Old CBN Quarters), Mr Monday’s Rice Shop, close to the Mosque.”
Lawmakers were warned that only properly completed forms would be accepted.
“Please note that only duly completed forms will be used to administer and validate the distribution. Kindly be guided accordingly,” the statement added.
Sources within the House of Representatives informed SaharaReporters that the development has provoked anger among some members.
Sources explained that while similar distributions may have occurred in the past, the current economic climate and public anger over perceived political excesses have made some lawmakers uncomfortable with the optics of collecting food items allegedly donated by a serving minister.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is currently grappling with soaring inflation and deepening poverty, with millions of citizens struggling to afford basic staples.
When SaharaReporters contacted Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Senator Umahi, he described the allegation as a complete blackmail.
He said it was entirely false to claim that there was a bag or bags of rice from the Minister to members of the National Assembly for any purpose whatsoever.
According to him, such an allegation is tantamount to a complete fabrication and is absolutely irresponsible. He stressed that there is no evidence to support the claim, adding that it is nothing but a distraction.
“I can say categorically that this is a complete distraction and outright blackmail,” Orji stated. “To suggest that there was a bag or bags of rice from the Minister to National Assembly members; for what reason exactly?
“As a way of appreciating him for the work he is doing in ensuring that roads across the entire metropolis are being constructed and rehabilitated? To do what?”
He further urged members of the public to judge the Minister’s performance by visible results rather than unfounded allegations.
“I will honestly ask you to take a drive along the major roads where work is currently ongoing, including roads in the six geo-political zones, to see the extent of the work being done,” he said.