Emmanuel OchayiA non-governmental organization, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance (CACOBAG), has issued a direct plea to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to address corrupt practices within the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
In an open letter signed by its chairman, Toyin Raheem, CACOBAG emphasized the pressing need to root out corrupt officials collaborating with builders, a factor contributing to building collapses.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelExpressing concern over the agency’s alleged complicity in compromising building standards, Raheem highlighted the devastating impact of collapsed structures on Nigerian lives.
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“It is in this regard that CACOBAG has to write this open letter to you, our governor, to prevent further collapse of buildings which, in most cases, sent promising Nigerians to an early grave,” the group stated.
However, the Public Relations Officer of LASBCA, Segun Olaoye, refuted these claims, asserting the agency’s adherence to regulations. Olaoye pointed out developers’ tendencies to circumvent rules despite warnings, attributing blame to them rather than LASBCA officials.
Amid these accusations, CACOBAG stressed the significance of upholding law and order in organized societies, emphasizing the importance of building plan approval in construction. They accused LASBCA officials of accepting bribes, citing specific instances where corruption allegedly facilitated illegal demolitions and compromised historic structures.
Raheem called for a thorough investigation into corrupt practices within LASBCA, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to identify and remove dishonest officials. He warned against the repercussions of neglecting to penalize offenders, emphasizing the agency’s responsibility in ensuring adherence to building regulations.
The group’s stance is further supported by investigations detailed in various publications, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Raheem urged the governor to establish a mechanism for identifying and removing corrupt officials, emphasizing the need to preserve honest individuals within the agency for positive growth.
This fresh angle presents a stark contrast between allegations of corruption within LASBCA and their denial, shedding light on the urgent need for decisive action to maintain building standards and public safety in Lagos State.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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