Introduction to the Controversy
The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed reports alleging that it budgeted N68 billion to purchase houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law. This was clarified in a joint statement signed by Mr Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, and Mr Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, in Lagos.
The Allegations
Social media reports on Monday accused the Assembly leadership of inserting over N68 billion in the 2026 Lagos State budget for the purchase of residential properties in Abuja for state lawmakers without adequate public scrutiny. The said report alleged each legislator was entitled to approximately N1.7 billion for a single property in the federal capital.
Response from the Assembly
Dismissing the report, the Assembly described the claim as a deliberate fabrication intended to mislead the public and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. The statement challenged the publishers of the allegation to provide credible evidence or retract their claims immediately, warning that failure to do so could attract appropriate legal action.
Key Points from the Assembly’s Statement
- There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
- The report is a complete falsehood, peddled by patently ignorant individuals for political mischief.
- The Lagos Assembly did not operate in Abuja and has no constitutional or administrative basis to acquire residential properties for legislators outside the state.
- The Assembly’s responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State.
Transparency and Accountability
The Assembly noted that the 2026 budget was already in the public domain and open to scrutiny by residents in the state and Nigerians. The statement said the Assembly reaffirmed the state’s long-standing commitment to transparency and accountable governance. According to it, the rumour forms part of a broader pattern of election-season propaganda aimed at eroding public trust, sowing discord, and maligning democratic institutions.
Budget Allocation
The Assembly’s capital expenditure for 2026 constitutes less than 0.04 per cent of the state’s total capital expenditure, underscoring the legislature’s culture of prudence and fiscal responsibility. The statement added that, historically, the Assembly often did not even access its full approved budget in many fiscal years.
Conclusion
The Lagos State House of Assembly has categorically denied allegations of budgeting N68 billion for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members. The Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the collective welfare of Lagos residents. Residents and the general public are urged to disregard the baseless claim and to always verify information through official and credible sources.
FAQs
- Q: Did the Lagos State House of Assembly budget N68 billion for houses in Abuja?
A: No, the Assembly has denied the allegation, stating that there is no such provision in the 2026 Budget. - Q: What is the Assembly’s response to the allegations?
A: The Assembly has described the claim as a deliberate fabrication and has challenged the publishers to provide credible evidence or retract their claims. - Q: Is the 2026 budget open to public scrutiny?
A: Yes, the budget is already in the public domain and open to scrutiny by residents in the state and Nigerians. - Q: What is the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability?
A: The Assembly has reaffirmed the state’s long-standing commitment to transparency and accountable governance.
