FACT-CHECK: How Alli’s Claim on FMC Igboora Bill Contradicted by Adepoju

A startling controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s political landscape, with Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, facing allegations of misrepresenting his role in sponsoring the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Igboora Establishment Bill.

Investigations have revealed that Honourable (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, is the actual sponsor of the bill, aimed at establishing a federal medical centre in Igboora, Oyo State, bridging the healthcare gap in the region.

The proposed FMC Igboora will:

• Provide access to quality healthcare services for over 1 million residents in Ibarapa Central and North
• Create employment opportunities for medical professionals and support staff
• Enhance healthcare infrastructure in Oyo State
• Reduce medical tourism abroad
• Improve healthcare outcomes and life expectancy in the region
• Foster economic growth and development

According to multiple reports and evidence, the bill which was gazetted and appeared in the journal of the National Assembly of Nigeria on July 18, 2023, was read for the first time on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Reports have emerged that Hon. (Dr.) Muraina Ajibola Saubana, a former lawmaker from the 9th Assembly, previously sponsored a similar bill aimed at establishing the Federal Medical Centre Igboora in Oyo State. The bill, tagged HB.347, successfully passed through the House of Representatives, but its journey didn’t end there. Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Yahaya, representing Kebbi North Senatorial District, also sponsored the bill during the 9th Assembly.

Unfortunately, despite being passed on May 10, 2022, the bill failed to secure presidential assent from then-President Muhammadu Buhari. This setback prompted current lawmaker Hon. Adepoju to reintroduce the bill from scratch upon taking office. Since 2023, he has tirelessly pushed for its passage through debates and resource allocation.

While reacting to the bill, Ibarapakan who announced that the next step for the Federal Medical Centre Igboora Bill is transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent, paving the way for it to become law. Hon. Adepoju is optimistic about the President’s swift approval, given his commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Constituents and colleagues have expressed outrage and disappointment over Senator Alli’s alleged deception, questioning the integrity and accountability of public officials.

“This is a serious issue that requires urgent attention,” noted a political analyst. “It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance.”

CLAIM: Senator Sharafadeen Alli claimed to have sponsored the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Igboora Establishment Bill

VERDICT: FALSE

Senator Alli’s claimed to have sponsored the FMac Igboora Establishment Bill is false. Honourable (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo is the actual sponsor of the bill. See some pictorials evidence below: