Panel Begins Probe Of
Lagos State Government
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos
A
probe into an alleged financial misappropriation and bribery by
the government of Lagos state has begun.
A six man panel of enquiry, headed by the majority leader of the
house assembly, Kolawole Taiwo is investigating the alleged acts
by the governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and some members of
the legislature.
The panel was inaugurated last week by the Speaker of the Lagos
State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, against the backdrop
of an advertorial sponsored by a group alleging that Governor
Fashola misappropriated public funds and offered eight hundred
million Naira as bribe, to the legislators to cover up the
fraud.
The investigative panel’s sittings are taking place at the
premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikeja, the state
capital.
Public Glare
The panel is sitting in public, in line with the oversight
constitutional responsibilities of the legislative arm of
government.
Non-government organisations and international anti-corruption
agencies are invited as observer.
Members of the public with oral or written evidence are invited
to come forward to testify at the panel.
Allegations as distraction
Governor Fashola has refuted the alleged financial
misappropriation against him in the advertorial. Describing the
allegations as falsehood meant to distract him from good
governance in Lagos state, he welcomes investigations into the
matter.
The leadership of the ruling Action Congress party in Lagos
State has appealed to the Lagos State House of Assembly to
desist from embarking on what it described as ‘matters that
would distract the attention of the state governor away from his
official duties’.
This concern expressed by the party is sequel to media reports
of impeachment proceedings on the Lagos state governor.
Rallying for the governor
Earlier in the week, residents of Lagos from all walks of
life, protested against speculations of impeachment moves
against governor Fashola.
The protesters, under the aegis of Lovers of Raji Fashola, LORAF;,
Coalition of Youth for Good Governance and the Movement for Good
Governance, protested, marching through the Ikeja business
districts en route the Lagos state House of Assembly and Lagos
House, to register their grievances.
Passion for the action
Singing praises of the governor to high heavens, over his
style of governance and tenacity of purpose in ensuring even
distribution of projects and amenities across the state, the
protesters averred that, ‘Lagosians have never had it so
well’.
The protesters were led by representatives Olubayo Olugbenro,
Bolaji Osinowo, Babatunde Awobajo and Prince Tony Eze,
representing the Igbo community in Lagos.
With additional reports from PR/Yinka
