Funso Doherty Questions Procurements: N2bn for Fans, N18m for Chickens?

In a bold move, Funso Doherty, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, has directed an open letter to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, scrutinizing projects funded with taxpayers’ money. Doherty‘s analysis focused on the register of public procurement awards by the Lagos government for the second and third quarters of 2023, covering the period from April to September.

In the comprehensive letter, the chartered accountant flagged several projects awarded by the state government, urging a closer look for potential issues. One standout concern was the allocation of N18,468,000 for the “supply and distribution of 2,000 Noiler chickens across the local government areas and wards in the state” under the chief of staff’s office. Another eyebrow-raising allocation was N440,750,000 for the “procurement of a brand new Lexus LX 600 Bullet Proof Sport Utility Vehicle for use in the Pool of Office of Chief.”

Doherty further highlighted expenditures like N7,475,000 for the “replacement of the liquid fragrance in the Office of Mr. Governor, Lagos House, Ikeja.” According to the analysis, the deputy governor’s office received N30,000,000 for both the “monthly outreach of indigent citizens by the deputy governor’s wife” and “monthly empowerment programs of the wife of the deputy governor.” In a substantial allocation, N2,017,840,000 was designated for the “provision of supply items (rechargeable fans, rechargeable lights, and fridge) in the deputy governor’s office.”

Additionally, the government reportedly greenlit N531,553,559 for the “renovation of Saint Andrews Anglican Church, Oke-Popo, Lagos.” Doherty‘s scrutiny emphasizes the importance of judicious use of public funds and calls for further investigation and remedial action in the public’s interest. The revelations by Doherty raise questions about the allocation of public funds and demand transparency and accountability in the governance process.

Read The Open Letter