…Community hopeful, seeks renovation, security of property
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
A nine-member ad hoc committee from the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has embarked on a fact-finding mission to Lagos, aimed at unravelling the alleged sale of the Nasarawa State Liaison Office located in Victoria Island.
Led by Chairman Hon. Larry Ven Bawa, the committee wasted no time in inspecting the facility, which includes a two-story building, a boys’ quarters, cafeteria, swimming pool, and various other amenities, all situated at Plot 1234 Bishop Oluwole, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
During their visit on Thursday, the committee engaged with members of the Nasarawa State Development Association, Lagos chapter, for an in-depth discussion. Chairman Hon Larry Ven Bawa explained their mission, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the concerns of Nasarawa citizens in Lagos.
Daily Sun gathered that the committee’s mandate, derived from resolutions during House proceedings, is to investigate the alleged sale of state government properties in Lagos and other states by the previous administration under Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura.
They aim to ascertain whether the building was indeed sold, identify the buyer, scrutinize the transaction process, and determine if the proceeds were deposited into the government coffers.
Hon. Larry Ven Bawa urged citizens to cease protests, assuring them that the State Assembly would conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and all other government properties in different states.
” We are here as directed by Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi the Speaker, this was based on our resolutions during the House proceedings to investigate alleged sales of state government properties in Lagos and other states by the then Administration of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
“To find out the real cause of the protest by our citizens in Lagos, see the building, know your conditions and situations, especially those arrested as well as investigate actually if the building was sold, who bought it, where is the transaction process and where is the money, was it deposited to the government coffer or not,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of Nasarawa State maintaining a liaison office in Lagos while urging the citizens to represent the state positively.
Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Muhammed Adamu Omadefu, clarified that the 5th Assembly had granted the then-Governor’s request to sell the property, believing it to be in a state of disrepair and abandonment.
However, they received no updates on whether the sale took place, the procedures involved, or if the funds were returned to the government treasury. Notably, there was no budget provision for this transaction.
Alh Musa Ikushigya, President of the Nasarawa State Development Association, Lagos chapter, expressed gratitude for the lawmakers’ visit, citing it as a source of hope and relief. He recounted a recent incident where police arrived with orders to evacuate occupants, claiming they were illegal residents. They were unaware of the new owner and had not received any eviction notice.
In interviews, occupants Ismaila Ogah and Sunday Alizi appealed to the State Government to renovate the building and provide security, highlighting its historical importance as the hub for Nasarawa residents in Lagos, where they hold quarterly meetings.