There is rumpus in the Kwara State House of Assembly over allegation of fraud and high-handed attitude levelled against Speaker  Razak Atunwa, representing Owode/Onire Constituency of Asa Local Government.

Chief Whip Iliasu Ibrahim  representing Ipaye/Malete/Oloru Constituency, accused the Speaker of running the affairs of the House recklessly. He alleged that the Speaker has been awarding contracts without due process.

The Speaker and his accuser are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

In a petition, Ibrahim is challenging Atunwa’s leadership style and accusing him of mismanagement of funds, capable of denting the image of the House.

The petition dated May 2 is entitled: "Serious allegations of mismanagement of Kwara State House of Assembly fund against Rt. Honourable Razak Atunwa representing Owode/Onire Constituency of Asa LGA/Kwara State by Honourable Iliasu Ibrahim of Ipaye/Malete/Oloru Constituency of Moro LGA."

The petition alleged among others that Atunwa "serially violates the law in the running of the affairs of the House, including his alleged refusal to consult with the House leadership on legislative matters, arbitrary award of fictitious contracts, failure to account for funds allocated for the running of the Assembly and travel allowances for members, and alleged diversion of House funds for private use."

But the Speaker described the allegation as "fictitious, mischievous, baseless, curious and of no effect. 

He said: "I received a letter of complaint on May 4 from the Chief Whip of the House accusing me of some financial misdemeanours. 

"On May 7, he wrote a letter to the Chairman, House Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Public Service and Judiciary, referring the matter to him. 

 "Herewith, in accordance with the rules 67P/4P1 of the Kwara State House of Assembly as amended, I hereby refer the case to you for thorough investigation and consequent report of finding to the House.

"In line with rule 67/P3, your committee is authorised to investigate any alleged violation by a member and recommend resolution to the House within appropriate time in the circumstances. I have forwarded my report on each of the allegations raised to the committee."

A member of the House who craves anonymity said the issues have polarised the PDP-dominated House. 

Ibrahim alleged in the petition that Atunwa re-awarded a contract for an already functional website at the rate of N33, 888,700 (Thirty-three million, eight hundred and eighty-eight thousand, seven hundred naira) via a memo coded KWHA/S/35/121/82 of 19th March, 2012. He insisted the contract was unnecessary and did not follow the due process.

According to Ibrahim, Atunwa through a memo titled KWHA/5/135/Vol./455 and dated March 12, 2012 sought to collect another N81, 500,000 (Eighty-one million, five hundred thousand naira) for projects not approved by the House and without the knowledge of other principal officers.

The Chief Whip also raised questions on the "money released for recent overseas trip and how much was spent so far out of the N135million. How much money has so far been released for capital projects between 2011 and 2012 and how much has been spent? How was the fifteen million naira released for the hosting of the North-Central Forum of Speakers spent? Details of the expenses incurred for the pursuit of your personal ambition of becoming the Chairman of the Niger Speakers Forum."

He also criticised Atunwa for his "arrogance", adding: "As a foremost lawmaker and a lawyer by profession, you cannot claim to be unaware of the deleterious effects of financial mismanagement and other abuses on the integrity and reputation of the Assembly." 

The memo read:

 "As legislators, we are expected to be extraordinarily honest, transparent and prudent in the day-to-day running of the affairs of the Assembly. As lawmakers and custodians of the law and order, we should shun acts that are detrimental to the welfare of members as well as the well-being of the generality of the people of our constituencies. Indeed, ours must be leadership by example. Unfortunately, your attitude and general conduct in the management of the affairs of the Assembly have been one of disappointment and regret because you have been so power intoxicated and arrogant that you have no regret for the views and feelings of anybody on important matters of the House.

"In his wisdom, Senator Bukola Saraki retained some of us for certain purposes. We were probably asked to come back because of the experience we had gained in the course of our last tenure. We are expected to serve as the stabilising factor by providing from time to time useful advice and suggestions on issues of common interest. By arrogating all power to yourself and conducting the affairs of the Assembly in absolute secrecy, you have given enough room for suspicion as many of us are of the view that large-scale fraud and financial mismanagement are the order of the day as far as the Assembly matters are concerned."