Waive Replies Omo-Agege, Insists FMC Ovwian Bill Dispute Is About Private Conversation
The member representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis E. Waive, has responded to allegations by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, over the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ovwian Bill.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media office, Waive maintained his account of the events surrounding the bill, saying the existence of a presidential approval for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, does not by itself disprove a private conversation between him and Omo-Agege.
According to Waive, the issue concerns an alleged conversation that took place after the FMC Ovwian Bill was introduced for first reading in the House of Representatives on July 21, 2020.
Waive alleged that Omo-Agege had asked that the FMC bill be stepped down, arguing that it conflicted with his bill seeking the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun.
He further claimed that while he supported Omo-Agege's bill through the concurrence process in the House, Omo-Agege opposed efforts to advance the FMC Ovwian bill.
The lawmaker said if Omo-Agege's position is that the conversation never took place, he should simply deny it and present evidence supporting his position rather than attack his person, family, faith or legislative record.
Waive also rejected claims that his legislative achievements were dependent on any individual, stressing that he was elected by the people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency.
He said his legislative record remained available for public scrutiny, describing claims that he had "nothing to show" after seven years as a political assertion rather than evidence.
The lawmaker urged Omo-Agege to focus on the substantive issue surrounding the FMC Ovwian Bill and avoid personal attacks.
"The people of Delta Central are sophisticated enough to distinguish between a documentary record and an assertion about a private conversation. They deserve facts, not personal attacks," the statement said".
