By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State House of Assembly has vehemently denied allegations made by an anti-corruption group that it awarded a N17 billion contract for the construction of the Assembly’s gate.
Reacting to the claim, which was raised by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, the Assembly’s Chairman of the Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, described the petition as “frivolous” and said it was intended to discredit the institution for political gain.
Ogundipe, speaking in a statement on Thursday, stressed that the gate project had been completed over three years ago, adding that there were no ongoing projects of such magnitude at the Assembly.
“It is preposterous to think that in Lagos, contracts are treated like witchcraft or secretive dealings,” Ogundipe said, dismissing the claim that a massive N17 billion had been allocated to a single gate project. “Even if the gate were made of gold, would it cost such an amount?”
The anti-corruption coalition had earlier petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the House leadership for allegedly approving the alleged contract.
However, Ogundipe clarified that although the Assembly has its procurement unit, it adheres to the state government’s established procurement processes.
Ogundipe further criticized the group for what he called an attempt to tarnish the Assembly’s image with unfounded allegations. He called on the public to disregard the petition, emphasizing that such claims were based on “grapevine” rather than verified facts.
“It is disappointing that a group calling itself the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, which has never been heard of before, has resorted to spreading falsehoods. We have no tolerance for such baseless accusations,” Ogundipe stated.
He also pointed out that the gates at the Lagos Assembly were repaired over three years ago, further debunking the allegation.
