Dear Fashola, bring back our money | By: Shaka Momodu
Fashola, the postal boy of good governance, the shining star and pride of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Performance, Mr. Clean (these were just some of the sobriquets that had prefaced his name) – has struggled unconvincingly to extricate himself from mind-boggling allegations of corruption and mismanagement of taxpayers’ money. Fellow Nigerians, What a fall from grace by the one “who could do no wrong”! He increased the fees paid in Lagos State University (LASU), attended largely by the children of the poor by a whopping 400 per cent from N50,000 to N250,000 on average on the excuse that the “state government does not have the money to continue to subsidise the school” and then casually shelled out N78.3 million of public funds for the upgrade of his personal website.
“It was all these services that the contract was issued for N78 million, which the Lagos State Procurement Agency gave a ‘No Objection’, based on the advice of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which is the government adviser on ICT matters. In publishing this contract award, which was the government tradition under my watch, the procurement agency’s website summarised it as an ‘upgrade’ without detailing the other services and this has been distorted by the agents of hate as their suspected ‘smoking gun’. For those who are familiar with mobile applications, they will attest that the users either pay for them online or download them for free. Since these applications were to be made available to the public for free access and to assist government communication, we decided to pay for them.”
Recall that Patricia Etteh, former Speaker of the House of Representatives was forced to resign on October 30, 2007, barely five months after she was elected as the speaker. Why? A group of lawmakers under the umbrella of the “Integrity Group” had accused her of gross abuse of office after it was alleged that she unilaterally approved the sum of N628 million to renovate her official residence as well as that of her deputy, Hon Babangida Nguroje. This was sensationally reported in the press, even though funds had not been released for the projects. The hypocritical social critics, lawyers and all manner of groups in cahoots with the then Action Congress (AC), which later became known as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) – one of the legacy parties of the APC seized the moment, eventually hounding her from office
The troubling reality is that a lot could have been achieved in Lagos State given its huge resource base and potential for more, but for the mismanagement that has taken place. For instance, why has the state not built the Fourth Mainland Bridge? The lazy excuse was that there was no money. But why would there be money when the state treasury was mismanaged?
Can Fashola Really Go To Jail? Etcetera Writes
haunted by the saying, “When you point one finger, there are three fingers
pointing back at you.”
If it knew, it wouldn’t have accused Goodluck Jonathan of running a very
corrupt government. Most times, we forget to listen to the voice of reason that
says, “Look in the mirror, brother. You might just be talking about yourself.”
It is now clear that the APC focused on the speck in Jonathan’s eye and ignored
the log in their own eyes.” Who would have thought that just few weeks into a
new regime in Lagos State, Fashola would be engulfed with the following
accusations – Drilling of just two bore holes with N139m, remodelling and
equipping of the official residence of the state’s Chief Judge at N510m,
reconstructing of a car park with N640m, spending N300m to relocate cables,
N175m to replace the railings of a pedestrian bridge, N220m on the facility
management of the Lagos State University College of Medicine, N619m on surface
repair of a road, N1.2bn on the construction of an unidentified multi-storey
building, N1.6bn on the construction of a 48-bedroom hotel.
These things don’t seem like what a person as intelligent as the former
governor would do; especially for those of us who regard him as one of the very
few bright spots of our democracy.
In fact, I am still of the belief that in the annals of corrupt governors in
Nigeria, his place remains to be seen. But the question here is, can the Lagos
State government come out with such weighty accusations without having evidence
to back them up?
It was in the papers that “some in the former governor’s circle” are worried he
might face charges. If that happens and if he is found guilty and if it results
in conviction and if he ends up in prison-yes, four ifs-then considering his
achievements in Lagos State, all other former governors from other states
(especially the eastern states) should have long since been in jail awaiting
his company. But yet again, does any governor go to jail in Nigeria?
Over drinks at a bar around Omole Estate, Ikeja last Monday, a friend who works
in one of the ministries at Alausa laughed as he finished off his beer.
“Everything’s messed up, and nobody goes to jail,” he said. “Etcetera, that’s
your whole article right there. Hell, you don’t even have to write anything
more. Just write that.”
I put down my phone. “Just that?”
“That’s right,” he said, signalling to the waitress for the cheque.
“Everything’s messed up, and nobody goes to jail. You can end the piece right
there.”
Sounds funny but sincerely, “Nobody goes to jail” should be the mantra of our
democracy, one that has seen virtually almost every public office holder
embroiled in obscene criminal scandals — and nobody went to jail. Nobody, that
is, except Alamieyeseigha, and that was probably because of the attention he
brought on the nation as a result of his dress sense from the UK. And the
Federal Government has apologised for the mistake by granting him full pardon.
If Fashola is found guilty of these allegations, he should face the music.
//
That’s the way the system is supposed to work. But a veritable mountain of
evidence indicates that when it comes to government officials, the justice
system not only buckles at punishing criminals, it has actually evolved into a
highly effective mechanism for protecting them.
This institutional reality has absolutely nothing to do with politics or
ideology — it takes place no matter who’s in office or which party is in power.
To understand how the machinery functions, you have to look back, at least, at
Obasanjo’s time in Aso Rock, as case after case of financial malfeasance was
pursued too slowly or not at all.
Indeed, the shocking pattern of no enforcement with regard to corrupt public
officials is so deeply ingrained in our democracy that it raises a profound and
difficult question about the very nature of our society: whether we have
created a class of people whose misdeeds are no longer perceived as crimes,
almost no matter what those misdeeds are.
The Justice Department has evolved into a bizarre species of social surgeon
serving this untouchable class.
Photo: Babcock University honours Babatunde Fashola.
Former Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola was honoured with an award of Honoris Causa by Babcock University at the University’s Post Graduate convocation ceremony yesterday. The renowned lawyer was recognized for his visionary leadership in innovatively attracting foreign investment to Lagos state amongst others.
Photos: Billionnaire industrialist, Alhaji Rasaq Okoya renews marital vows with youngest wife, Sade.
MORE LARGESSE FOR SUPER EAGLES
The Super Eagles since their triumphant arrival into the country have not only been lavished with praises from fans, friends and Nigerians as well, millions of naira in cash and kind have been expended on them.
Before their grand reception party at the Aso Rock Villa where they rewarded with cash prizes and plots of land by President Goodluck Jonathan, business mogul, Mike Adenuga gave out a Range Rover Sport, Posh apartment in Lagos and $200,000 to Stephen Keshi, other players were also rewarded.
Recently, the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan named the Asaba stadium after Super Eagles coach who hails from his state. In another reception held at the Asaba international
event center in Delta State, the ex-footballer was given N8m cash and a duplex. Daniel Amokachi, Sylavnus Okpalla and Ike Shorunmu got N4m each, Warri Wolves players; Sunday Mba, Chigozie Agbim, Azuibike Egweke and Brown Ideye got N5m each, others got N2.5m each.
A day ago, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State while commending the team for their hardwork and victory in the AFCON tournament also doled out cash prizes to them. Stephen Keshi, got the sum of N2.5 million, while his assistant, Daniel Amokachi got N2 million and captain of the team, Joseph Yobo, N1.5 million. Four other assistant coaches got N1.5 million each.
The 22 members of the team got the sum of N1million each and N500, 000 per goal for each of the 11 goals they scored during the tournament, while N15 million was donated to the backroom staff of the Super Eagles.
We hope and sincerely pray they win the World Cup.
PHOTO: GUINNESS UNVEILS WORLD'S LARGEST JERSEY FOR SUPER EAGLES
This news should make up for our dismal performance yesterday. Guinness Nigeria, as part of its unwavering support for the Super Eagles at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in South Africa, has unveiled the world’s largest jersey.
Made in the colours of the Nigerian national team, the jersey which is believed to be the largest jersey ever with a size 275.5 by 249.9 square meter was unveiled at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Monday, 21st January, 2013.
Commending Guinness Nigeria for the achievement, Dr Abiola Awonuga the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development who represented the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, said
“We are pleased to support Guinness Nigeria Plc in their quest to boost the Super Eagles’ dream of lifting the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.”
Also, the Guinness Marketing and Innovative Director, Mr. Austin Ofomba believes the jersey will be transmitted to the Eagles. “It’s going to be preserved because it is a big monument for us. We’re going to celebrate this jersey beyond the Nations Cup and I believe Eagles will continue to fly.” He affirmed.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA HONOURS WOLE SOYINKA
The incumbent Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola has honoured Nobel Laureate
Professor Wole Soyinka by naming an ultra- modern art gallery after him.Christened 'Kongi Harvest Art Gallery', at the inauguration which took place at the Gani Fawehinmi park Ojota Lagos the lawyer turned politician said the gesture is in recognition of
Soyinka's contributions to the development of African Art. Fashola, afterwards declared the 2012 Lagos Black Heritage Festival open adding that the main intent of the festival is to showcase Africa's rich culture and promote the nation's tourism potentials to the whole world.
NOMINEES FOR THE 2011 NIGERIAN BROADCASTERS AWARDS
Top functionaries and core media personalities would be treated to an enthralling event as the 2011 edition of the Nigerian Broadcasters Awards kicks off on december 11. Scheduled to hold at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, the event will have the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Ambassador Segun Olusola, as a prelude to the event will host the nominees party on Saturday, December 3, at Cave Bar, Ikeja, Lagos.
While Special Recognition awards will go to Walter Oyatogun, Toyin Subair, Lekan Ogunbanwo, Mrs Biola Alabi, Benson Idonije and Amaka Igwe, Life Time Achievement Awards will be presented to Madam Anike Agbaje Williams, Danladi Bako and Raymond Dokpesi. Bisi Olatilo, Bimbo Oloyed and Cally Ikpe will be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Award Categories
BEST TV NEWSCASTER OF THE YEAR
Male
Chuks Ene (STV)
Cyril Stober (NTA)
Charles Erukae (Channels)
Ikechukwu Obienu (TVC)
Sam Bello (AIT)
Female
Jire Kola- Kuforiji (AIT)
Bukola Coker (TVC)
Harriet Agbenyi (Channels)
Seun Olagunju (NTA)
Kemi Adekusibe (MITV)
Onyi Sunday (STV)
Bimbola Oloko (LTV 
BEST RADIO NEWSCASTER OF THE YEAR
Uche Unogo (Raypower FM)
Victor Njoku (Beatz FM)
Jones Usein (Radio Continental)
Ima Akpabio (Inspiration)
Ify Onyegbule (Radio Continental)
Bosede Akinremi (Radio Lagos)
Oge Ogekanma (Brila FM)
Daniel Akpata (Eko FM)
BEST TV STATION OF THE YEAR
STV
LTV 8
AIT
TVC
Channels
BEST RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
Rhythm FM
Cool FM
Raypower FM
Brila FM
Beatz FM
Eko FM
Metro FM – FRCN (Lagos)
BEST INDIGENOUS RADIO STATION
Wazobia FM
Radio Lagos
Naija FM
Bond FM
Paramount FM
OGBC 2
Amuludun FM (Ibadan)
Adaba FM (Akure)
RADIO STATION WITH WIDEST COVERAGE
Eko FM (Lagos)
OGBC (Ogun State)
Adaba FM (Akure)
Positive FM
BEST MUSIC CHANNEL
Hip on TV
Sound City
OneMusic
Nigezie
BEST TV PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Entertainment
De New Live Beatz
Xcite on TV
Video Wheels
Prime Time Africa
Entertainment Weekly on STV
Gbedu on the Move (AIT)
Lunch Break (TVC)
Stand up Nigeria
Music Africa
Sport
Kandaval Sport (Rhythm FM)
Sport Splash (LTV)
Milo World of Sport (AIT)
Football 360 (Brila FM)
Sports Express (Cool FM)
Sport Extra (AIT)
Drama
Super Story
Face to face
Dear mama
Tinsel
Spider
Edge of Paradise
Tales of Eve
TV Talk & Game Show
Teju Baby face Show
Tyme out with Tee A
Inside Out with Agatha
Who wants to be a millionaire?
Cruising
Bimbo and Shola Connect (LTV8)
Moment with Mo
TM on TVC with Folarin Yori
TV Reality Show:
Project Fame
Super mom,
Next movie star,
Glo Naija sings,
Gulder Ultimate Search,
Nigerian Idol
BEST TV COMMERCIAL ADVERT
Glo-Yarn me more,
Etisalat-Na my wife
Chivita
Cowbell milk (Our Milk)
Indomie noodles (Mama you do good)
Mama gold rice
MTN- Caller back tune
MOST POPULAR IN-HOUSE D.J
DJ Vinne (Radio Continental)
DJ Neptune
DJ Charlee Sheen (Eko FM)
DJ Tommy of (Rhythm FM)
DJ Bennymore (Brila FM)
DJ X-Chris (Raypower FM)
DJ Caise (Beat FM)
DJ Boombastic (Rainbow FM)
SEXIEST TV PERSONALITY
Male
Joseph Benjamin
Charles Anazodo
Frank Edohor
Dayo Adeneye (D-1)
Uti Nwachukwu
Female
Tolu Oniru (Toolz) Beatz FM
Alero Didiere (Galaxy)
Labi Layori (TVC)
Eku Edewor (Studio 53)
Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere (STV)
Ijeoma Onyeator (Channels TV)
MOST POPULAR TV PRESENTER (V.J):
Male
Denrele Edun
Dayo Hip on TV
Abdul Mohammed (STV)
Jude (Galaxy)
Adams Ibrahim (Soundcity)
KTO (LTV)
Uti Nwachukwu
Female
Labi Layori (TVC)
Mariam Anazodo (NTA)
Adiza Audu (AIT)
Alero Didiere (Galaxy)
Eku Edewor
Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere (STV)
MOST POPULAR RADIO PRESENTER
Male
Ifedayo ‘Freeze’ Olarinde (Cool FM, Lagos)
I.K Osakioduwa (Rhythm)
Chris de Razor Oluigbo (Beat FM)
Akeem Abdul-Hakeem (Brila FM)
Benny Ark (Cool FM, Abuja)
Female
Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi (Beat FM)
Tosyn Bucknor (Top FM)
Moyo Oyatogun (Star FM)
Anita ‘Omalicha’ Isede (Rhythm FM)
Wana Udobang (Inspiration FM)
MOST SUPPORTIVE CORPORATE BODY
MTN
Promissador,
Glo
Etisalat
Airtel
Lever Brothers
Coca Cola
NBL
Nestle
MOST PROMISING YOUNG PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
TV
Mike Moviemania (STV)
EFe Tommy (Excite on TV)
Akeem John (DBN)
Collins (Galaxy
Radio
Mark (Radio Continental)
Akeem John (DBN)
Olaleye Dada (LTV Sport Splash)
Mc Ice Water (Eko FM)
MOST LISTENED TO RADIO STATION
South-West:
Adaba FM (Akure)
Splash FM (Ibadan)
Positive FM
North
Wazobia FM (Abuja)
Capital Sounds 90.9 FM (Kaduna)
Freedom Radio (Kano)
East
Cosmos FM (Enugu)
Orient FM, Owerri
Heartland FM, Owerri
BCA, Aba
BEST NEW RADIO STATION
City FM,
Naija FM,
Top FM,
Nigeria Info FM,
Smooth FM,
Rainbow FM
FAST GROWING MEDIA OUTFIT
Silverbird Group (operators of STV and Rhythm FM)
Steam Broadcasting Service (operators of Cool, Wazobia and Nigeria Info FM)
Daar Communications (operators of AIT and Raypower FM)
Megalectrics Limited (Operators of The Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM)
Brila FM
MOST SUPPORTIVE PRINT MEDIA
National Mirror
City People,
Punch,
Daily Independent
PAY TV CHANNEL OF THE YEAR:
DSTV
HiTv,
Infinity TV,
StarTimes
BEST CHIT CHAT RADIO PROGRAMME
‘Una Wake Up’ – Yaw (Wazobia FM)
The Morning Rush – Olisa Adibua and Ada (Beat FM)
‘The Morning Drive’ BigTyme and Omalicha) (Rhythm FM)
‘Top Of The Morning Show’ – Tosyn Bucknor (Top FM)
‘Inspiration FM Morning Drive’ – Dan Foster
‘Continental Breakfast Show’ – Jones Ussein (Radio Continental
LONGEST RUNNING PROGRAM ON T.V PROGRAMMES
Prime Time Africa
New Live Beat
Kaakaki (AIT)
Gbedu on the move (AIT)
BEST SPORT PRESENTER
Niran Adesanya (Rhythm FM)
Charles Anzodo
Bimbo Adeola
Joe Hanson
Jimmie Akinsola (Beat FM)
Sola Rogers (Radio Continental)
George Essien (Brila FM)
Sayo Owolabi (Inspiration FM)