Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has strongly criticized the Bayelsa State government’s decision to award a contract for a new Secretariat complex at a staggering cost of N45 billion. Adeyanju, known for his outspoken stance on issues of governance and accountability, expressed deep concerns about the justification for such a hefty expenditure, particularly in a state with a significant number of residents living below the poverty line.
In a statement released on [Date], Adeyanju argued that the allocation of N45 billion for a Secretariat complex was a gross misprioritization of public funds. He pointed out that the state could have channeled these resources into more pressing needs, such as improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and addressing the plight of the impoverished population.
It is disheartening to see the Bayelsa State government prioritize a new Secretariat complex over the basic needs of its citizens,” Adeyanju stated. While I understand the importance of having functional government offices, the exorbitant cost of this project raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.”
Adeyanju’s criticism comes amidst growing concerns about corruption and mismanagement of public funds in Nigeria. The Bayelsa State government has faced allegations of financial impropriety in the past, and the N45 billion Secretariat contract has further fueled these concerns.
One of Adeyanju’s primary concerns is the lack of transparency surrounding the award of the contract. He questioned the bidding process, the criteria used to select the contractor, and the justification for the exorbitant cost. Adeyanju called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that there was no collusion or corruption involved.
“The Bayelsa State government must be transparent about how the contract was awarded,” Adeyanju demanded. We need to know who the bidders were, what their proposals were, and how the government arrived at its decision. Without transparency, there is a risk of corruption and mismanagement.”
In addition to transparency, Adeyanju also emphasized the importance of accountability. He urged the state government to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. He warned that any deviations from these parameters would be a disservice to the people of Bayelsa State.
Prioritizing Basic Needs
Adeyanju argued that the N45 billion allocated for the Secretariat complex could have been used to address more pressing needs in the state. He highlighted the following areas that would have benefited from this investment:
Education: The state could have used the funds to improve the quality of education, build new schools, and provide scholarships to students.
Healthcare: The money could have been invested in upgrading healthcare facilities, hiring more medical personnel, and providing free healthcare to the poor.
Infrastructure: The funds could have been used to improve roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, which would have benefited both residents and businesses.
Poverty Reduction: The money could have been used to implement poverty reduction programs, such as job creation initiatives and social safety nets.
Adeyanju emphasized that these areas are essential for the development and well-being of the people of Bayelsa State. He argued that investing in these areas would have had a more significant and lasting impact on the lives of the citizens than a new Secretariat complex.
Adeyanju’s statement has generated significant public discussion and debate. Many people have expressed support for his criticism, arguing that the N45 billion is a waste of public funds. Others, however, have defended the government’s decision, claiming that the new Secretariat complex is necessary for the state’s development.
Social media has been abuzz with comments and discussions on the issue. Many people have used the hashtag #BayelsaSecretariat to share their opinions and engage in online debates.
Deji Adeyanju’s condemnation of the Bayelsa State government’s decision to award a contract for a new Secretariat complex at a cost of N45 billion is a timely reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible spending of public funds. His criticism has sparked a much-needed debate about the priorities of the state government and the needs of its citizens.
It remains to be seen how the Bayelsa State government will respond to Adeyanju’s allegations. If the government is committed to good governance and the welfare of its citizens, it will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take appropriate action. However, if the government chooses to ignore these concerns, it risks further eroding public trust and undermining its legitimacy.
