Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is facing scrutiny as state procurement records reveal concerning approvals.
Among them are N7.5 million for replacing liquid fragrance in his office and a staggering N3 billion for rechargeable fans in the deputy governor’s office.
The Public Procurement Agency sanctioned various contracts during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2023. Notably, over N440 million was allocated for a new Lexus LX 600 Bulletproof SUV for the Chief of Staff’s pool.
Furthermore, the Chief of Staff’s office received N18.5 million for supplying 2,000 Noiler chickens across local government areas. Another approval of N152 million was granted for restoring water supply at Iduganran palace, the Oba of Lagos’s official residence.
The state is set to allocate N581 million for the renovation of Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Oke-Popo. Additionally, the deputy governor’s office secured N30 million for monthly outreach to indigent citizens and an extra N30 million for an empowerment program.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, Funsho Doherty, who raised questions about some of the contracts, said he has written an open letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu to review some of the projects.
“I just wrote an open letter to the governor on Public Procurement awards reported by LASG for the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2023, highlighting a number of issues for further scrutiny and remedial action.
“Judicious use of public funds is always important and is especially so now,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
According to Daily Trust, a public policy expert, Dr Abimbola Oyarinu, said it is sad that the government is enjoying jumbo packages while asking the people to endure the suffering in the land.
He, however, said Nigerians are living with the consequences of their actions.
“The truth is, I don’t blame the government, I blame the people. The people will always get the leaders they deserve. In spite of the inflation and the fact that an average Nigerian can no longer eat as a human any more, our government has refused to adapt to the reality.
“You can no longer blame the government; the people are culpable. It will be business as usual because people don’t realise the implication of this mismanagement.
“Rather than hold the government accountable for lack of basic amenities, we have chosen to blame the devil because religion and government are in the marriage of defrauding Nigerians.
“The next election will come, these same people will wipe up ethnic and religious sentiments,” he said.
A social crusader, Olufemi Ajayi, said the contracts showed the insensitivity of the government to the plight of the people.
“How can you budget over N7m to buy air fresheners at a time when the people you are leading are struggling to eat?” he queried.
