The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), a non-governmental and non-partisan human rights Resource Center, has asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate the capital projects allocated to Surulere 1 Federal Constituency as represented by Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a letter forwarded to the anti-graft agency and signed by HEDA’s chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, the Center said like other concerned members of the society, the organisation have really expressed shock and worries about the recent report of lavish spending of Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who is the Majority leader of the House of Representatives.

The letter reads: “According to Vanguard of May 28th and 29th 2018, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila has been reported to have surprised his wife, with a gift of Mercedes G-Wagon, selling for between N75M and N100M in Nigeria.

“The gift on the 27th May, 2018 was to commemorate the wife’s 50th birthday. He was also reported to have rocked a N1.2M Gucci suit when giving this gift to his wife. The stylish Gucci Heritage web tape crepe wool jacket that costs $3,450, approximately N1.2M.

“Though his intention could have been right, but in a country where the minimum wages is N18,000 with hunger and unemployed youths roaming the streets, his actions were seen as insensitive to Nigerians especially from his Surulere Constituency.”

HEDA said Nigerians have kept wondering how it is possible, within the legitimate salaries of the parliamentarian, to lavishly expend such amount of money on luxury items by a public office holder, especially recalling the fact that a total of N1.3B was allocated for constituency Projects in Surulere1 Federal Constituency, represented by Hon. Gbajabiamila, in the year 2017 Appropriation Budget.

“HEDA Resource Centre believes that no room must be opened for any person to abuse public trust while in public office. Corrupt practices and misapplication of public funds must be abolished in all fronts by relevant government agencies charged with the responsibilities of investigating allegation or suspicions of corrupt practices.

“On this account, HEDA is calling on your good office to open a wide investigation into the utilization of funds for capital projects allocated to Surulere 1 Federal Constituency under Honourable Gbajabiamila to ensure and convince discerning Nigerians that public funds were not used for private family services and benefits by people elected into offices for service,” the letter said.

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