Sanwo-Olu faces probe on missing helicopters

The Lagos State House of Assembly has requested the presence of Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Also summoned were Commissioners for Economic Planning and Budget; Special Duties; and management of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

As gathered by Daily Times, the lawmakers are investigating the whereabouts of the three helicopters belonging to the state government.

Chief Whip of the Assembly, Mojisola Miranda, raised the motion, with a call for an update from those invited and Caverton Helicopters, the company managing the choppers.

“In 2015, three helicopters were bought under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to strengthen security. But they are nowhere to be found now. I will want us to look at it and get the concerned parties to tell the House the location of the helicopters”, she said.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, pointed out that the helicopters were meant for dual purposes – security and commerce.

“What we have said so far has nothing to do with the image of the state or the Assembly. What the Chief Whip has done is not too much. We need to know what has happened to the helicopters,” he said.

Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) recalled that when the purchase of two helicopters during the Babatunde Fashola administration was approved, a commissioner told the House that Caverton Nigeria Limited would operate them so that the government can make money.

The lawmaker said one was bought under Ambode, adding that it was important to know how they had been managed as well as details of funds generated.

Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju Lekki 1), Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1), Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2), Noheem Adams (Eti Osa 1), and Olawale Olayiwola (Mushin 2) spoke in the same vein.

Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 1) said: “I want to believe that Caverton Helicopters generate money from the helicopters. They should be very useful for air transport to isolation centres during this COVID-19 pandemic.

“The LSSTF gave out the helicopters for purposes of generating funds. The LSSTF should be invited, they have a Chairman and an Executive Secretary.”