LAGOS: New anti-corruption law has no mischievous undertone, says Omotoso

THE state anti-corruption law was formulated to enhance transparency and accountability, hallmarks of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and not to protect some personalities, the government has said.

The law, which will be set up a commission to rein in corruption, has been hailed by lawyers as a step forward for true federalism. But some critics say, though without any proof yet – that its motive is to protect some personalities. “This is wrong”, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said on a live interview on Arise TV, “The Morning Show” in response to an earlier comment by rights activist, Dele Farotimi, who alleged that the anti-corruption bill was signed into law to protect former governors of the state from investigation.

Omotoso said: “The governor, while signing the bill into law, noted that it is in fulfilment of the promise he made to the electorate on assumption of office that there would be accountability, transparency and the state’s fund will not be misappropriated, the perpetrators will not get away with it. The assumption that the law targets certain section of the society is highly speculative, presumptuous and in the conjectural imagination of those who think so.”

 Omotosomaintained that the law aims to rein in anyone who engages in corruption, saying that the administration of Sanwo-Olu has shown that it is trustworthy, sincere, in whatever it does and means well for the populace.

“Lagosians trust Sanwo-Olu as indicated by the comments and feedbacks from the populace on the activities of his administration garnered through research,” the commissioner said.

He stressed that the law is a form of decentralisation of power, a local variant of the federal law that would complement those at the federal  level and not clash with them.

His words: “If any issue is raised and it gets to a point where it needs to be taken to the court for clarification, it would help our jurisprudence and advancement of knowledge.”

He explained that so much intellectual exertion went into formulating the law and it has been commended by legal luminaries, just as he anticipated its replication in other States.

Replying to a question about the ongoing JUSUN strike, Omotoso said the state branch only participated in solidarity with others because Lagos government has fulfilled its obligations to the union.

He said discussions with the union’s chiefs indicated that they would call off their action after consultations with the national body.