Breaking: Ondo Lawmaker Faces Recall from NASS Over Alleged Negligence of Duty.

Some residents of the Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in Ondo State have initiated steps to recall their House of Representatives member, Abiola Makinde, citing claims of inadequate performance. According to the group known as the Ekimogun Roundtable, Makinde, who is a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), has neglected his legislative duties for several months, having reportedly relocated abroad for unspecified reasons.

In a statement released by the acting Secretary of the group, Christiana Ayodele, and obtained by "News Spotlight" on Monday, the group accused the lawmaker of leaving his National Assembly office in disuse, effectively depriving the constituency of representation in the lower chamber.

The group further disclosed that over 30 legal professionals from across Nigeria have volunteered to provide pro bono legal services in support of their efforts to address the situation.

The statement noted, “In a strong display of support for the initiative, which is aimed at bolstering legislative accountability and leadership, 30 legal practitioners from various regions and specializations across the country have offered to assist the Roundtable at no cost. Their legal expertise will support the group's investigation and any potential legal actions.

“The Ekimogun Roundtable, a global socioeconomic organization representing Ondo indigenes, claims that Abiola Makinde, the representative for Ondo East/West Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly, has neglected his legislative duties for an extended period, during which he allegedly relocated abroad, leaving his constituency office at the National Assembly locked and inactive. As a result, the constituency has been left without representation during crucial legislative sessions.

“The group also raised concerns about significant discrepancies between the allocation of constituency funds and projects on record and what has been physically executed. These concerns bring into question the integrity of those involved in the procurement process for constituency projects within the green chamber of the National Assembly.

“The Ondo East/West Federal Constituency has not experienced such poor legislative representation since the return of democracy. Critical national issues, including discussions on the national budget and the National Anthem Act, have occurred without input from the constituency.”

Additionally, the group stated that they have formally requested the National Assembly to provide records of Makinde's attendance at plenary sessions, seeking to verify his adherence to the relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the House of Representatives Standing Rules concerning attendance.

Attempts to contact the embattled lawmaker were unsuccessful; he did not answer phone calls, nor did he respond to a text message sent to him at the time of this report.