SCANDAL-PLAGUED LAGOS ASSEMBLY: SPEAKER OBASA UNDER FIRE FOR ALLEGED FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT

The Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is once again in the spotlight over allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and extravagant spending. Critics and anti-corruption groups have called out Obasa for what they describe as a misuse of public funds, yet no concrete actions have been taken against him.

ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT

Recent reports by People’s Gazette allege that the Assembly, under Obasa’s leadership, spent over ₦43 billion on "back-up vehicles for honourable members" from January 2023 to the third quarter of 2024. The report revealed a total of ₦90.5 billion spent on questionable projects, raising concerns about the Assembly's priorities amid widespread economic challenges.

Budget details show that ₦30.1 billion was spent on vehicles in 2023, and ₦13.3 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. Critics argue that this equates to approximately ₦1.1 billion per lawmaker, labeling the expenditure as excessive and unnecessary.

LONGSTANDING CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Obasa has faced corruption allegations throughout his tenure. Reports from as far back as 2019 linked him to over 60 bank accounts allegedly used to divert public funds. One report detailed suspicious foreign exchange transactions totaling $2.4 million (₦1.1 billion), allegedly funneled through personal accounts and investments.

In 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited Obasa for questioning over fraud allegations, including inflated contracts and misappropriation of Assembly funds. However, no substantial action has been taken since.

DISMISSAL OF ALLEGATIONS

Obasa has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated. At a recent plenary session, he refuted claims of spending ₦17 billion on a gate and ₦200 million on a thanksgiving service, dismissing them as “spurious and funny.”

However, critics remain unconvinced. A 2020 House panel, composed of Obasa’s allies, cleared him of wrongdoing—a decision dismissed by anti-corruption advocates as a “kangaroo judgment.”

PUBLIC OUTCRY AND CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

Civil society groups, including the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CISNAC), have held protests demanding accountability. Prominent campaigner Olanrewaju Suraju has urged the EFCC to act, warning that the Speaker’s actions erode public trust.

“These revelations justify the urgent need for mechanisms to enforce probity and accountability in public office,” Suraju stated.

POLITICAL IMPUNITY?

Obasa’s continued tenure has been attributed to strong political connections and a culture of impunity. With Lagos State gearing up for the 2027 elections, his position underscores broader challenges of governance and corruption in Nigeria.

For Lagos residents, these scandals highlight a troubling disconnect between political leadership and the realities faced by the electorate. Many now await decisive action from anti-graft agencies to restore faith in governance.

Source: Nairaland