The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday, set up an ad-hoc committee of six members to investigate allegations of misappropriation levelled against the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, by a group called ‘The true face of Lagos.’ The group had published its accusations against the state government in a two-page advertorial in a national daily yesterday. The allegation of financial impropriety was the only topic the lawmakers deliberated upon on the floor of the House, after which all other businesses listed for the day were postponed so that members can attend the burial ceremony of a former lawmaker. The committee was set up after deliberations on a motion moved by Onibiyo Adelabu representing Alimosho I, as a matter of urgent public importance. Mr. Adelabu said he contacted the members of the group on phone after reading the allegations. “They said we have not seen anything and they claim to have tons of evidence,” said Mr. Adelabu. Another lawmaker, Mudashiru Obasa (Agege I) also claimed to have spoken with the group on phone. “They even said they are ready to appear before the House” he said. “The allegations are news to me,” said Rotimi Olowo (Somolu I), “it’s high time we investigated it.” Where is my N20m? The group also claimed that members of the Lagos State House of Assembly “were given the sum of N20m through their colleague who is a member of the House from the Lagos West Senatorial district, the constituency of the governor emeritus himself” “When I read the publication,” said the Speaker of the house, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, “I called Babatunde Ogala three times but did not get through. I wanted to ask him for my ownN20m because I don’t want to be short-changed.” Many of the lawmakers took turns to deny the allegation of bribery. Where is the budget review report? For refusing to release the report of the 2009 budget review, the House was also accused of supporting the financial misappropriations of the state executive council. However, Mr. Obasa, who is a member of the budget review committee, said nobody can dictate to the House the pace at which it works. He said the report, which had been completed, has not been presented because “the programme of the House has not allowed us to present the report.” Mr. Ikuforiji also said the House has constitutional right to regulate its proceedings and therefore, will not bow to any pressure. Omowumi Olatunji-Edet repreasenting Oshodi-Isolo II, said her reputation is at stake if the House cannot clear itself of those allegations. “These [allegations] are what we cannot throw away.” She said. Referring to the yet-to-be-presented budget review, she advised that “we cannot throw one thing under the carpet and take up urgent matters. The budget review would have revealed the allegations, if they are true. Even though we have been pre-empted, let us allow the presentation to be laid [before the House],” she said. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu I) said the allegations cannot be ignored just because they are not substantiated. “That was how we read about Sunborn Yacht on the pages of the Newspaper. It is our responsibility to clear the name of the government,” he said while insisting that a committee be set up. The usually calm Wahab Alawiye-King who represents Lagos Island I was apparently ruffled by the allegations and said “all we have to do is setup a committee to look into the matter.” Consequently, instead of allowing the report of the budget review to be presented, the House opted for a committee of inquiry. “Therefore, since many of us are asking for a committee, that is what we shall do,” said the Speaker, who then proceeded to announce the members of the committee. The committee, whose chairman is Razak Balogun, the Chief Whip of the House, was given two weeks to submit its report to the House. Other members of the committee are Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu I), Rotimi Olowo (Somolu I), Olanrewaju Oshun (Mainland II), Funmilayo Tejuosho (Mushin I), and Omowumi Olatunji-Edet (Oshodi-Isolo II). Mr. Fashola is away in Anambra to help with the Action Congress’ campaign towards the gubernatorial election scheduled for February 6.
Jan292010