Abeokuta — In view of the probe ordered by the House of Representatives in respect of the alleged payment of about N88m to the consultants that handled the National Assembly performance award for local government chairmen, the Ogun state House of Assembly has passed a motion suspending the congratulatory messages meant for the two council chairmen that won the award in the state.

Some aggrieved council chairmen had raised alarm over the collection of about N88m from the chairmen of all the local governments that participated in the award ceremony held in Abuja last week.

Two local government chairmen from Ogun State, Messers Akeem Adesina and Titus Olusoji Eweje from Obafemi Owode and Yewa North local governments respectively were given the best performed chairmen in the state, a development that was lauded by the state governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

But moves by the House of Assembly to formally get the nod to congratulate the acclaimed outstanding chairmen, suffered a setback, when an order to get it discussed at the House's plenary session was raised. Fasiu Bakenne (Abeokuta 11) had brought it to the attention of the House the need to congratulate the two council bosses, but Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo (Ifo 11) countered the motion.

The female lawmaker averred that since the Federal House of Representatives had rised dust on the awards, "it is only proper to set aside any discussion on it as it is controversial. Let us allow the House of Representatives to come out with its findings on the payment of the N88m before we can begin to discuss it in this Honourable House," she declared.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker ordered that the National Assembly be allowed to come up with its finding before any further action.