HEDA urges ICPC to probe lawmaker Gbajabiamila over N75m gift to wife
- HEDA says it is necessary for the ICPC to investigate Gbajabiamila's spending if in line with his salary as a lawmaker
- The group says Gbajabiamila's action was insensitive to flaunt such extravagant lifestyle before his constituents who earned a paltry N18,000 minimum wage
- HEDA says Gbajabiamila's constituency projects should also be probed
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been urged to probe the spending of Femi Gbajabiamila, House of Representatives member for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency.
The call was made by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), a non-governmental and non-partisan human rights resource centre on Monday, June 18.
Sahara Reporters said HEDA made the call in a press statement sent to media houses.
A letter signed by HEDA's chairman Olanrewaju Suraju has been forwarded to the anti-corruption agency.
READ ALSO: Lawyer sues Saraki for declaring IG Idris unfit to hold public office
In the letter, HEDA expressed worries over Gbajabiamila’s gift to his wife and wondered if the House of Reps member, who is the Majority Leader of the lower house of legislature, was spending within his legitimate salaries as a lawmaker.
The letter read in part: "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 100M 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.
"His intention could have been right but in a country where the minimum wage is N18, 000, with hunger and unemployed youths roaming the streets, his actions were seen as insensitive to Nigerians especially from his Surulere Constituency.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
"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 charge 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."
Recall that Legit.ng had also reported that Gbajabiamila dusted Nigerian singer Davido’s assurance to girlfriend Chioma when the Majority Leader of the 8th House of Representatives blessed his wife, Yemisi, with a glittering brand new Benz G-Wagon of yellow colour.
The state-of-the-art luxury car is valued at over N100 million. The gift was to commemorate her 50th birthday.
Davido Gifts Girlfriend, Chioma N45 Million Present - on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
