N1.9bn fraud: Lagos residents protest, demand LG chairman’s suspension

The residents of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area in Lagos State have staged a protest at the State House of Assembly complex over the alleged misappropriation of N1.9 billion by the council chairman, John Ogundare.

The residents, numbering about 500, carried placards with various inscriptions and called for the suspension of the council chairman.

Speaking, Segun Williams, who led the protest, urged the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to act urgently on the matter.

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Williams said Ogundare had been indicted by an investigative report of the local government’s legislative council, adding he did not deserve to remain in office.

He said: “Therefore we are seeking his suspension pending the conclusion of the matter before your noble chamber (Lagos Assembly).

“The allegations are contained in a report dated December 19, 2023, sent to the chairman since last year.

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“In the report signed by the Leader and Majority Leader of Eti-Osa East LCDA, the chairman was indicted for diverting funds earmarked for critical sectors, including health and education.

“Among the allegations are failure to pay running costs to various departments of the council based on the 2023 budget; neglecting balance payments to past political office holders against governmental advice;

“He was also indicted for unauthorised project execution and contract awards without legislative approval, non-adherence to the 2023 budget for schools and Primary Health Centres’ construction/renovation.

“Also, failure to comply with legislative requests for income and expenditure records. He has perpetually approved contracts above his limit of N35 million.”

Williams alleged that the chairman also ignored the invitation of the Lagos Assembly on March 25 and April 3, and had been bragging that he had enough funds to influence the state’s lawmakers.

He said the Assembly needed to act and “clear itself from this mess”.

Receiving the protesters, the lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland II, Adebola Sabi, said the Assembly under the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa would see to the matter.

Sabi further thanked the residents for their peaceful demonstration.

The Star