Osun Federal Lawmaker Speaks On Reported N482m Diverted Project Funds

The lawmaker representing Ede North/ Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, has reacted to Tracka’s report on the non-execution of projects worth N482m in his constituency.

Tracka had reported that the projects, which included road rehabilitation, provision of motorized borehole, erosion control and construction of civic centre which were captured in the 2022 and 2023 budget of the Federal Government, remained unexecuted, months after payments were made for some. 

Tracka, a project of a non-governmental organisation, BudgIT, said the projects were approved and funded by former President Buhari’s administration.

However, in a letter addressed to Tracka, which had requested for information on the status of the projects, Salam said while he is aware of the status of some of the projects, he was not involved in the facilitation of some others.

Salam said: “On the installation of Solar Standard Street Lights in Woru community in Egbedore LGA of Osun State executed by the National Rural Electrification Agency as well as the Provision of Motorized Borehole at Ejigbo LGA, Osun State implemented by the Niger RBDA Dela, I do not know anything about these two projects as they were not facilitated by me. However, I will initiate a contact with the agencies involved to know the status of the projects.

“As it has to do with the Construction of Civic centre in Ara, Egbedore LGA of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State by the Cocoa Research Institute, Ibadan, I am aware that foundation laying was done on Monday, 18th day of December and was witnessed by the community leaders led by the Paramount ruler of the town, the Alara of Ara, Oba (Dr.) Olubayo Adesola Windapo.

“Even though this project has not been funded by the federal government, my intervention with the agency and the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, being a project nominated by me, has made the commencement possible.

“While on the Limited Rehabilitation of Awo Internal Road in Egbedore LGA, Osun State handled by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; contrary to the report on the status of the project, it is a road that was completed and delivered in 2021. The amount reflecting against the project may probably be a retention fee or payment balance.

“Lastly on the rehabilitation of Ilupeju road, Ofatedo, Egbedore LGA of Osun State also executed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; I am not satisfied with the quality of work being done on the road. I had earlier brought this to the attention of the Comptroller of Federal ministry of works in Osun State.

“I cautioned the Comptroller not to issue a completion certificate for payment if the necessary corrections are not done. I am committed to getting the contractor and the agency deliver according to the job specifications.”