Umahi’s two and a half bags of rice splits House of Reps

Umahi

The decision of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to distribute bags of rice to the 360 members of the House of Representatives is currently causing unrest in the legislative chamber.

While some see the gesture as a show of appreciation to the legislators for their support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, others described the move as unnecessary given the possibility of a twisted narrative by civil society groups and advocates of strict observance of the principle of separation of powers between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that Umahi had directed the lawmakers to pick up five bags of 25kg rice each, in what a member described as a replication of a similar gesture from the minister in 2024.

Following the gesture, the leadership of the House brought the information to the notice of the lawmakers on their WhatsApp group, according to an insider.

The notice read:

“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.

“Forms for the administration of the rice distribution will be available for collection from Monday morning, as follows:

“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. Completed forms are to be submitted to the Special Adviser, Finance, for processing and release.”

The bags of rice are said to be ready for collection at Mr Monday’s Rice Shop located at the Garki International Market (Old CBN Quarters), close to the mosque.