Probe Fashola now, PDP tells Ambode

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has denied a rumour that the party is behind the recent call for the probe of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s immediate predecessor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

But it called on Ambode to probe his predecessor.

The PDP also denied having any hand in the alleged acrimony in the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos.

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The PDP however counselled the APC leaders to face the allegations instead of blackmailing or dragging the opposition party into its internal strife.

It also reiterated that it would remain resolute and not shy away from being a vibrant opposition to the incumbent administration.

“As long as we notice any “misgovernance”, we will blow the whistle. We shall not relent in doing this constructive opposition. It does not matter whether it coincides with efforts of other groups or interests in the state. We shall commend when appropriate and condemn when inevitable in good faith for good governance and expected growth of Lagos State,” the PDP Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, said in a statement on Sunday.

According to Gani, the call for probe of Fashola by the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders relating to alleged fraud during the former governor’s administration has vindicated the PDP’s persistent stance that “the Fashola administration was a fluke.

“Indeed, several times during his administration, we had shouted that the governor was running a propagandist government and that the state was being plunged into avoidable local and foreign debts.

“With over N27bn monthly internally generated revenue, the state does not need to borrow to carry out projects,” the statement added.

Gani further claimed that the former governor deliberately embarked on projects that were not feasible in the next 20 years.

“He got loans to complete such projects within eight years only to mismanage and or divert such loans. Under Fashola, the SUREP funds well over N32bn meant for the state could not reflect in any project and was not accounted for. The local and foreign debts of about N1tn is there for Lagosians to pay through over-taxation.

“The PDP has consequently supported and charged Ambode to probe his predecessor. The incumbent governor must speak out now! Anything short of a categorical statement as to whether Fashola is clean or not is a disservice to the state. Lagosians want to know what the new occupier of the office met, especially the actual amount of loan collected,” the statement said.