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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has admitted that there could be a ‘mistake’ in the procurement record released by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA).
The governor stated this on Tuesday, during the launch of a new operational headquarters for the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) in Ikeja.
The Sanwo-Olu administration had faced criticism for alleged overspending, after an open letter from Funso Doherty, governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last election, listed some projects awarded by the state government that “require greater scrutiny”.
The list included N2 billion that was earmarked for the supply of rechargeable fans and lights as well as fridges for the office of the deputy governor.
In his reaction to the criticism today, the governor said: “Some officers in Lagos have all come out to say that indeed we can make mistakes on some lines of items. I heard of a particular one that an item was meant to be N2m but it was written as N2bn.”
“We appreciate criticism. We appreciate the fact that people can look at us in the face that we need to do well in the state”.
He added, “So we don’t have a problem with the originator of an open letter. In fact, we like it and we want to thank him, and that’s to say that indeed, to be a government that’s firm and responsible, we should not shy away from criticism.
“But it is only when criticism is malicious, unintended and it is to misrepresent the truth and that’s where there’s a problem.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to publish the procurement record for public scrutiny, adding that his team is committed to serving Lagosians.
“For me, I’m leading a team of very dedicated public officials; I’m leading a team of committed civil servants. I’m leading a team of self-motivated public officials who want to stand and say that they can be well recognised.”
“All we want to do is to serve the people of Lagos, and serve the state with every iota of strength and commitment we have, and believing Lagosians can truly see the benefit of our service.
“I just want to make this point, and put it to rest. The website will continue to work. We’ll put all our numbers there and we’ll continue to pride ourselves at all times that indeed we can make mistakes but it is not any intention for us to be unmindful of what public goods are, and to ensure that public goods is what will continue to be respected.” He said.