Anti-Corruption Group Urges EFCC to Investigate Alleged N17 Billion Gate Project by Lagos Assembly

A petition has been submitted by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving the Lagos State House of Assembly. Central to the accusations is the claim that a gate constructed at the assembly complex cost an astronomical N17 billion, a figure widely regarded as highly inflated. Evaluations reportedly estimate the true cost of the project at no more than N15 million.

The petition also raised concerns about the alleged mismanagement of Constituency Intervention Funds and Constituency Project Funds by the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and the Clerk, Mr. Onafeko Olalekan Biliamin. Additionally, it implicated Hon. Nurain Akinsanya, representing Mushin Constituency 1, in purportedly fraudulent activities concerning the construction of the Ikeja Local Government secretariat.

The petitioners expressed fears of a potential conflict of interest, alleging that Hon. Obasa maintains a personal relationship with EFCC Chairman Ola Olukayode, which they worry could undermine the investigation. However, they conveyed trust in the commission’s ability to act impartially and professionally in handling the matter.

The coalition called on the EFCC to investigate the N17 billion expenditure on the gate project, scrutinize the management of constituency funds, and take necessary actions to promote transparency and accountability. They emphasized the importance of ensuring justice and safeguarding public funds in line with democratic principles and good governance

Source: Sahara Reporters, December 15, 2024.