A coalition of anti-corruption organizations has dragged the Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos, Honourable Tajudeen Ajide, before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding his investigation and prosecution in connection with alleged fraud.

In a petition to EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde dated 17th December, 2013, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) “in view of various newspaper reports and documentary evidence” at its disposal called “for an immediate investigation into the records and activities of Surulere Local Government of Lagos State.”

Part of the petition signed by CSNAC Chairman Olanrewaju Surau said:

“Sir, consequent upon failure of the Council Chairman to address several complaints by the legislative arm of the council bordering on corruption and abuse of office, the Legislative Council of Surulere Local Government at its sitting of Thursday, 14th March 2013 resolved to commence suspension proceedings against Honourable Tajudeen Ajide based on indictment in; misappropriation of public funds and contravention /disregard for the Public Finance Management Law of Lagos State.

“Based on Legislative Council committee’s findings and following its resolution of 6(2012) dated 19th November, 2012 a VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE was passed on the Chairman. The following allegations were overwhelmingly sustained against Honourable Tajudeen Ajide, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government;

“1. Aiding and abetting through criminal conspiracy by awarding contracts to his allies and conies through which Local Government funds were siphoned. Of Particular reference is a DIGITAL LED SCREEN contract awarded to DEXTER FORTE LTD, owned by one Mr Ayo Odemilua at the sum of N41,000,000 with an advance payment of N19,000,000 since March 2012. Till date, the contract was not executed neither was the mobilisarion fee refunded.

“2. The same Mr. Ayo Odemilua is allegedly on the pay roll of the Local government as a member of the Local Government Revenue Committee being paid with Tax Payers Money.

“3. Collection of various sums of Money both in Naira and Foreign currencies in form of salaries and purchase of official car for office of the wife of chairman which does not exist.

“4. Obtaining Bank loans and overdrafts at various times between October 2012 and February 2013 without the knowledge and approval of the Legislative council, in contravention of the Lagos State Public Finance Management Law 2011, Section 65(i).

“5. Violating the Law of Lagos State Public Finance Management law 2011, section 57(2) by appointing a politician as the Chairman of the Revenue Committee of the Local Government.

“6. Award of over-inflated and questionable contracts. According to one of the Contractors (TEN KINGS LTD), who confessed that the Executive Chairman collected the sum of N3,000,000 from him to influence the award of contract approval from the Ministry of Local Government.

“7. Purchase of a N17m vehicle for the office of the Chairman without delivery of same to the Council.

“A petition, chronicling these atrocities, was addressed by the Council Legislative House to Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding an urgent intervention in the matter and appropriate sanction against Mr. Ajide. Though, Mr. Ajide was summoned by Clerk of the Assembly on the strength of the petition, in a curious twist, the indicted Council Chairman has continued in corruptly enriching himself and cronies at the expense of developing the council area.

“Following these unresolved allegations against Mr. Ajide and failure of the Lagos State House of Assembly to discharge its constitutional duties on this matter, we here demanding an urgent investigation and necessary action of your Commission on this matter.

“Please, find attached documents relevant to this matter for your attention.”

•Photo shows EFCC Chairman IbrahimLamorde.

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