FROM INSUBORDINATION TO COOKED-UP CORRUPTION ALLEGATION: THE CHANGING FACES OF OBASA'S LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY - Alimosho CPS

 

By Babatunde Opeyemi Yusuf 

CPS, Alimosho Local Government

From Insubordination to Cooked -Up Corruption Allegations: The Changing Faces of Obasa's Lagos State House of Assembly

 

We have noted with concern the recent attempts by the Lagos State House of Assembly to shift the narrative surrounding the allegations of insubordination against Hon. Jelili Sulaiman, the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, to baseless allegations of corruption. This manipulation of facts does not only undermine the integrity of the legislative process but also appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a dedicated public servant.

Hon. Jelili Sulaiman has consistently demonstrated commitment and transparency in his duties. The shift from allegations of insubordination to corruption is not only unfounded but also indicative of a larger agenda to undermine his efforts and distract from the real issues at hand. Such tactics are unbecoming of a respected institution like the Lagos State House of Assembly and the esteemed seat of the Speaker.

We urge the House, and in particular Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudasir Obasa, to refrain from this dirty political war, which serves only to erode public trust in our democratic institutions. It is essential that all members of the House focus on constructive governance rather than engaging in smear campaigns that detract from their responsibilities to the constituents they represent. Morphing into a cabal that works against the principles of local government autonomy is the least Lagosins expect from this House of Assembly at this time. Such conduct is detrimental to the democratic process and constitutes a significant nuisance and distraction for President Tinubu at a critical time when our nation is grappling with pressing economic challenges and widespread hunger. At a time when our leaders should be focusing on collaborative governance and addressing the urgent needs of the people, the Assembly’s actions serve only to sow discord and divert attention from the pressing issues facing our state and nation.

However, let it be known that should these unfounded attacks continue, we are prepared to expose the dossier of corruption that exists within certain ranks of the House. The public deserves to know the truth, and we will not hesitate to bring these matters to light if the campaign against Hon. Sulaiman does not cease. We call on the Lagos State House of Assembly to engage in a more responsible and ethical discourse, focusing on the needs of the people rather than engaging in distractions that serve only to protect personal interests.

We urge the Assembly to earnestly return to its core responsibilities and engage in constructive dialogue that supports the growth and development of our local governments and the nation at large.

Meanwhile and for the purpose of clarity but without glorifying the baseless allegations, I hereby deem it necessary to address them one by one:

1. That large sum of money running into billions was misappropriated: This allegation is laughable at its best. We would have been happy if it had cited any reliable audited report but unfortunately, it is a mere conjecture. We advise the House to be more factual because it is essential to investigate thoroughly before jumping into conclusion on a serious allegation of corruption.

And in any case, the Assembly is not the appropriate institution of government to declare any person guilty of corruption or any financial wrong doing at all. This public declaration on an international television amount to assassination of character that carries heavy punishment in law. The House should expect appropriate legal response from the Chairman very soon.

2. That he refused to remit over 111 million in tax deductions: This allegation is unfounded. Financial transactions involve multiple stakeholders and are often more complex than presented. Be that as it may, it is on record that on assumption of office by Hon Jelili Suliaman, he cleared all outstanding tax left behind by his predecessors. Records are there for verification. Apart from clearing the outstanding taxes from his predecessors, He also remitted the ones which paper work were prepared and presented to him. As of now, all papers for the clearance of all outstanding till date had been perfected and ready for payment. Any members of public interested in knowing the fact can check the Council’s tax records from the appropriate institution. It is a public document.

3. That he Keeps 8 accounts against 4 according to FEC management law: This is another blatant lie from the pit of hell. Contrary to this falsehood, Hon Jelili Sulaiman opened only THREE BANK ACCOUNTS while those in use before him were ordered to be closed for reasons that were for the best interest of the local government. For avoidance of doubts, the accounts are in Wema Bank and UBA. Two of the accounts are in UBA. All he did in this regard are within his power as the elected Executive Chairman of the Council. Contrary to the baseless allegation, the Council, currently does not have up to four accounts permitted by FEC but only three.

4. That he embezzled 17 million naira meant for the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA):  We can say without any fear of contradiction that the Chairman has no knowledge of such money and we are not aware that the State Assembly is empowered to appropriate and disburse money to any local government. If the Assembly possesses such power and has therefore disbursed such money, then it must have been disbursed and embezzled by them or their agent. We would be happy the Assembly provides documentary evidence to proof this allegation.

5. That he bought stolen vehicles for the legislative arms: Allegations of purchasing stolen property should be directed to law enforcement for criminal investigation but not used as a political tool. To the best of our knowledge, this claim lacks specific evidence and serves only to vilify Hon. Sulaiman's character. The House under Rt. Hon Mudasiru Obasa is economical with the truth; feeding the public with falsehood. In the first instance, the Chairman is not a contractor that bought and supplied cars to the Council. But if the State Assembly has any document to justify its position it should bring it out. It is even better for the image of the Assembly because anything short of that, is a big dent of the Assembly and its members.

However for the purpose of public knowledge, the true position is that there was a case of misunderstanding between the contractor and the dealer. The contractor could not fulfil his obligation to the dealer on the agreed time. The dealer therefore lodged a case with the Police and the case was amicably settled between the contractor and the dealer. To appease the local government against the embarrassment, the contractor did a letter of apology. The letter of apology is in a file in the Council and the record of settlement is with the Police.

6. That he used Zamzam Medical Outreach to siphon public funds: This is another serious allegation made without an iota of evidence. It is becoming clear that the House under Hon Obasa is losing its focus and bringing it to disrepute.   We challenge the House of Assembly to provide evidence if truly it has any. In the absence of such evidence then, the allegation is tantamount to character assassination and political witch-hunting.

7. That he purchased property in Magodo and Lekki: This allegation is purely intended to malign the Hon. Chairman. The chairman has no house in the said areas. However, if the Assembly has any document of a property bearing his name in the areas, it should provide. Onus of proof lies with the person that alleges.

8. That he embezzled 200 million naira loan to service vehicles: The claims surrounding the mismanagement of loans need clear financial records to substantiate. Speculative claims without supporting documentation only cloud the truth. It is unimaginable and unfortunate that the State Assembly can cook up this kind of allegation. The running of the Council is unlike that of the Assembly where one person like the Speaker can allocate and dispense funds. The Council has a working system. For the avoidance of doubt, the loan in question was sourced following all due process. It was also managed by the appropriate arm of the Council. Documentary evidence on the disbursement of the funds is in the Council for scrutiny. There is nothing to hide.

9. That he re-presented same official vehicles: This assertion lacks the required evidence to substantiate it. However, the truth is that all political office holders in the position of the chairman are entitled to official vehicles. In this case, Honourable Sulaiman bought the vehicles he got approval for. Instead of buying the same car with his colleagues, he bought a lesser one that saved the Council some money. The Chairman denied himself legitimate entitlement so that the resident of Alimosho can have additional fund to necessary projects and services.  

10. That he contravened procurement laws in contract awards: This allegation again, is false in its entirety. Each and every contract in the Local Government goes through the Tenders Board before implementation, and this Tenders board is statutorily headed by the Vice-Chairman. However, if indeed any procurement law has been compromised or violated, the House will do itself a great deal of honour to state or provide the exact procurement law that was violated by the Tenders board.

11. That he subdued PHC’s laboratories for personal gain: This claim is serious and should be handled by relevant authorities if substantiated. Making such accusations without evidence is not only unfounded but also diminishes the credibility of the House of Assembly. However, we can state categorically without any fear of contradiction that residents of Alimosho Local Government are receiving free health services and subsidized drugs in the health centres in the Council.