Lagos Asembly drills LBIC over insubordination, demolition of structures
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, drilled the Managing Director of Lagos State Building Investment Company LBIC, Mrs. Folashade Folivi for dishonouring the invitations of the House Committees in the course of their investigation over demolition of some structures in Ogba, Ijaiye, Estate area of the state by her Office.
Folivi was alleged to have disregarded several letters addressed to her office inviting her to shed light on grey areas to help the committee in the course of investigation; and also to suspend action on the planned demolition exercise to be carried out by her office till the committee concludes its investigation.
According to the members of the committee, her action is an affront to the House’s constituted authority.
The LBIC boss was also questioned on the bribery allegation against some members of staff of LBIC who were alleged to demanded from owners of the “shanties” some gratifications; though Folivi affirmed that prior to her assumption to the office of the MD in 2015, there were bribery scandals, but shesaid she had put a stop to it immediately she assumed office.
The lawmakers however, demanded to know if the money collected were refunded to the owners of the demolished structures afterwards to which a satisfactory answer could not be given by the LBIC boss.
The Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Lateef Abiru therefore, suggested that there should be a preparation of service plots to compensate the affected residents.
The MD in her defense, explained that the reason for the demolition was because of the obstructions caused to the free flow of waters in the drainages and in conformity to the masterplan, which was originally
made for the estates.
Hon. Yishawu, who reiterated that the demolishing exercise done by her is illegal; and went ahead to read part of the policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which according to him, is guiding the Lagos Building Investment Company. But he said the LBIC has breached it by demolishing the structures contrary to the CBN’s guidelines, which could lead to the revocation of its certificate.
Other members of the House expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the LBIC boss addressed the questions put to her, while showing no remorse, as well as not being truthfulin her submissions.
According to Hon Tunde Braimoh, the LBIC Chief took the allegations lightly and did not do justice to the questions.
Hon. Fumilayo Tejuoso suggested that a vote of no confidence be passed on her, saying that, “She is not being truthful, let’s pass a vote of no confidence, and this will put an end to people disregarding the House.”
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa commended the members for their comments; and said that the matter be postponed till necessary investigations have been carried out by the relevant committees.
He said,“I thank you all for your comments; but I will advise we postpone our resolution till after the committee concludes their investigation.”
By Alade Tasma
