Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is facing intense criticism following the approval of N7.5 million for the replacement of liquid fragrance in his office and N3 billion for the purchase of rechargeable fans for the office of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat. These expenditures have sparked an uproar among the public, with concerns raised about the judicious use of public funds and the government’s priorities in a time of economic challenges.
Controversial Expenditures:
Fragrance Replacement: The approval of N7.5 million for the replacement of liquid fragrance in the governor’s office has drawn significant attention. Critics argue that such an expense does not directly impact the welfare of Lagosians or reflect empathy from the state government towards the residents, especially considering the inflationary effects of subsidy removals.
Rechargeable Fans: Another contentious expenditure is the allocation of N3 billion for the purchase of rechargeable fans for the office of the deputy governor. This decision has raised questions about the necessity and cost-effectiveness of such an investment, particularly when austerity measures are being implemented to reduce the government’s budget deficit.
Calls for Accountability:
Scrutiny of Government Spending: Adekunle Razaq Aderibigbe, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has called for further scrutiny of the state government’s spending. He commended Funso Doherty, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for highlighting the controversial procurements and emphasized the need for prudent use of taxpayers’ money.
Lack of Impact on Lagosians: Critics argue that the funds allocated for fragrance replacement and rechargeable fans could have been better utilized to address pressing issues that directly impact the welfare of Lagosians. They emphasize the importance of holding the government accountable for its spending decisions and ensuring that public funds are used judiciously.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Lagos State Government regarding the controversy surrounding the perfume and rechargeable fans expenditures. However, it is essential for the government to address the concerns raised by the public and provide transparency regarding the decision-making process behind these allocations.