6th July, 2011
Some members of the Legislative Council of the Eredo Local Council Development Area in Epe, Lagos State, are presently at loggerheads with the Chairman, Mr. Sabiu Omolaja Adelaja, over discrepancies in contracts awarded by the council.
The lawmakers have consequently petitioned the Lagos State Coordinator of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission/National Anti-Corruption Volunteers Corps, ICPC-NAVC, over the alleged financial mismanagement and corrupt practices of the council chief.
According to the petition dated 21 June, 2011, the councilors alleged that the council chief included the construction of a perimeter fence at Mojola Market in Epe in a recent list of completed contracts by his administration whereas the project, which cost about N15million, was abandoned after payment of N12 million
The councilors also alleged that in the said list, Mr. Adelaja claimed that he awarded a contract for the purchase and installation of 10 transformers for N40 million whereas the transformers have not been installed.
The councilors in the petition also faulted the claim by the Council Chairman that he awarded the construction of a I50 meters road in Ajana Road at Noforija, where his personal house is situated. They insisted that the road construction was not worth the N79.644, 900 million for which it was awarded as it was poorly finished without drainages.
Urging ICPC-NAVC to look into the lack of transparency and accountability and absence of due process in the operation of the council, the councilors also accused Hon. Adelaja of drawing cheques from the council’s account for unattended seminars.
Investigations on the matter revealed that sometimes in May 2011, the House had invited the council chairman to identify all completed projects within the council, but he refused to honor the invitation . Instead, the Chairman issued suspension letters to some members including his deputy, majority leader, the legislative house leader and three councilors without any consultation with legislature.
It was gathered that the development followed alleged plans by the legislators to impeach the council Chairman, who they claim was operatingâ€aloneâ€.
When contacted on phone, Adelaja told our reporter that all the allegations against him were false, adding, “ it is those that were suspended for anti-party activities during the last election that are accusing me falsely.â€
— Alex Akinyele