ALH ENILOLOBO THE SAINT: THE REPLY

In Arthur Muller's play "The Crucible," false accusations and fear are employed to imprison and execute numerous individuals accused of being witches. Similarly, The Crucible serves as an allegory for McCarthy's Communist witch-hunt, wherein many faced imprisonment and death due to allegations of communism.

False accusations against a person of questionable morality can tarnish the reputation of an upright servant. Enduring persecution for doing what is right is unjust, but it reflects a Christlike response.

For the records and for the discerning reader:

Firstly, it is on record and verifiable through the Public Information Act that Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo or his company, Takullah Mandate Venture Limited, has never undertaken any contract(s) from any Local Government Areas (LGAs) or Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

This is a fact; the writer and their sponsors should undergo a thorough examination as they tread dangerously close to prosecution for character defamation.

Regarding Enilolobo supposedly obtaining contracts from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, this can be investigated, and the facts can be made public.

Similarly, accusations of Enilolobo or Takullah Mandate Venture Limited acquiring contracts on behalf of Alimosho or any group are baseless and exist solely in the imagination of the writer and their sponsors.

The Lagos State Government, under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tenure as Governor, awarded the Highway Managers contract to The Mandate Movement. This was to be managed by James Omolaja Odunmbaku and three others, now of blessed memories. The profits were intended to be shared among Mandate members. However, Baba Eto (Odunmbaku) retained control of the funds and refused to distribute them properly. The current monthly net worth is purportedly One hundred and Seventy-Five Million Naira (#175,000,000). Additionally, Baba Eto allegedly controls 24 hectares of land at Lekki Peninsula belonging to The Mandate Movement.

The writer should thoroughly investigate these facts. At no time did Enilolobo accept money on behalf of the Mandate Movement.

I am well-positioned to provide information on Takullah Mandate Venture Limited. All our jobs were bid for and awarded in adherence to the rules and regulations of the Lagos State Government or relevant ministries.

The fundamental question is: Is it a sin to bid for contracts when one is qualified and has the means to execute the job?

As for Enilolobo's sources of wealth, unlike many who indulge in acquiring exotic cars, Enilolobo has never purchased a brand-new car. Instead, he invests in buying undeveloped lands at a low price. How would one describe a person who bought lands at #30,000 per plot, acquired more than six plots at the time, and resold them when the land appreciated over the years for over ₦40-₦50 million?

We successfully bid for the construction of Estate Grammar School, Ojokoro, as advertised by the Lagos State Government. We completed the job and received a letter of job completion. Is this also a sin, or should Enilolobo stay idle like some leaders who abandon their trades and cling to public office funds?

Regarding the Akodu drainage construction project, we bid for the contract, won it, and started with our own funds. We remain the only contractor who has done more work than the money collected. The money collected from the Lagos State Government is not up to 60%, yet we have completed 95% of the work without collecting up to 60%.

For sensible readers who can attest to job or contract performance, a contractor who collected 50% of the contract sum and has completed 95% of the job—has he performed or underperformed?

On the alleged assassination attempts on Doyin Salami, did he come forward to raise an alarm? Has he informed the necessary authorities? If not, we would assist him by taking those steps, and all involved, including the writer, would be invited.

The writer makes a rash political hara-kiri by claiming that all councillors obtained their positions by paying Enilolobo and not through God, party members, and leaders' grace. The writer goes further to assert that Enilolobo receives monthly returns. We challenge any councillor outside the Mandate Movement to verify this claim. Likewise, we challenge council chairmen no longer associated with Enilolobo to come forward and corroborate the writer's claim.

Bar Rotimi Ogunwuyi is alive and healthy and has vehemently denied this allegation on multiple occasions.

How Femi Adebanjo became a House of Representatives member against all odds is still fresh in our memories. Hon Femi Adebanjo then was penniless against the wealthy Abiodun Mafe. Hon Adebanjo could not spend a Kobo at the primaries and could not purchase the form. Thanks to Enilolobo Abdullahi Ayinde and the G-18 who bailed him out with their integrity. This is a story for another day.

We challenge the writer to provide evidence of the quoted amount he claims is given by present council chairmen to Enilolobo monthly.

In conclusion, the writer belongs to the old school of politicians who, despite their lengthy time in political offices, refuse to relinquish their hold after losing ideas. They are stifling the fresh and progressive youths who want to take over and breathe new life into politics.

Once again, the writer hastily posted this to cover up for their frustrated boss, whose romance with the ASM hit the rocks. Now, they are attempting to garner sympathy for any available political post in the forthcoming local government election.

COMRADE ALANI BABATUNDE KAZEEM

Political Analyst and Public Commentator.