EFCC Intensifies Fashola’s Probe

BABATOLA MICHAEL



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its investigation into allegations of financial impropriety and contract inflation made by a group operating under the aegis of The True Face of Lagos against Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi revealed this in an e-massage today, stating that the anti-graft commission has not dropped the investigation into allegations leveled against Fashola and his allies.

In his message, Babafemi said EFCC Chairperson, Mrs. Farida Waziri has ordered the commission’s Lagos office to conduct an investigation into all cases of abusive use of public office and funds.

According to Babafemi, "the investigation is currently being handled by EFCC office in Lagos. The investigation is ongoing and progressing."

Last week, the Lagos State House of Assembly reconstituted a 7-man committee to investigate allegations of financial impropriety and contract inflation, which the same group brought against Fashola. They were given within two weeks to submit their report.

The committee is made up of Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye (from Kosofe), Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu), Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Somolu), Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet (Oshodi-Isolo), Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho (Mushin), Hon. Babatunde Adejare (Agege), and Hon. Saka Dayo Fafunmi (Ifako Ijaiye).

But Lovers of Raji Fashola (LORAF) have kicked against the probe, thus calling for neutral bodies like EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offence Commission (ICPC) to take over the investigation from the Assembly.

In his response to the probe panel, LORAF Coordinator, Mr. Abiodun Olugbenro said a fortnight can never be enough to thoroughly investigate the allegations.

He said the Assembly "is not a neutral party and therefore should not investigate allegations that also implicated its members. It is a kangaroo probe; they are only interested in impeaching Fashola."

The House however depended on Section 128, paragraph 1 and 2 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, which empowers the House to investigate allegations of corruption brought against the executive arm.

But The True Face of Lagos last Monday asked the Assembly to conduct a public hearing into the allegations.