A socio-democratic group, Yewa/Awori Youth Network has accused the Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi of converting government-funded projects to personal projects.
The group accused the Senator of conniving with some federal government agencies to portray projects funded by the government as something done from his personal pocket.
Recall that Yayi had recently claimed to have launched a scholarship and bursary scheme by empowering 1,600 students across the five local governments in the Ogun West Senatorial district.
The education support scheme tagged: First Yayi Scholarship/Bursary Award Programme, held in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, saw selected indigent students in 53 tertiary institutions benefiting from the financial support.
Speaking at the event, Senator Adeola said the scheme was in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people and youths of Ogun West.
But, the Yewa group in a statement by its secretary, Abidemi Gandonu said Adeola violated the procurement act by tagging them as his personal financed projects.
Gandonu also alleged that some projects reportedly meant for Lagos West were reportedly brought to Ogun West, insisting that the action by the Senator contravened the procurement act.
Citing findings by a project tracking organisation, Tracka, the group said the investigation revealed, a pattern of deceit, where government-funded projects are repackaged as personal donations to deceive the public.
He noted that Tracka’s findings emphasise how projects like ambulances and tricycles, touted as personal contributions by Yayi, are, in fact, financed by taxpayers’ money.
The statement further read, “The narrative of benevolent gestures masks a deeper reality, one where political agendas intertwine with federal resources, blurring the lines between public service and personal gain.
“The spectacle unfolds with a script familiar to seasoned observers: a politician parades as a benefactor, showering constituents with scholarships, empowerment programs, and a medley of commodities under the guise of personal initiatives.
“However, a closer inspection reveals a convoluted web of government projects camouflaged as altruistic donations, executed with meticulous precision to garner political capital.
“Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi’s playbook, honed from previous exploits in Lagos West Senatorial District, remains consistent. His purported acts of generosity, exemplified by the recent distribution of scholarship cheques, bursaries, and assorted items to Ogun West constituents, echo a recurring theme of political theatrics.
“Yet, behind the veil of magnanimity lies a carefully orchestrated charade, facilitated by federal agencies complicit in the illusion.
“As the charade unravels, questions arise about the source of funds fueling Senator Olamilekan’s ostentatious displays of generosity. With over two decades in public service, scrutiny over the sudden influx of resources into his purported personal projects intensifies.
“The illusion of philanthropy, meticulously crafted by Senator Olamilekan, crumbles under the weight of public scrutiny, revealing a tale of deceit and manipulation.
“The saga surrounding Senator Olamilekan underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s political landscape. The illusion of benevolence must be dismantled, exposing the truth beneath the facade.
“Only through collective action and unwavering resolve can Nigeria transcend the shadows of political deceit, forging a path toward genuine progress and equitable representation for all its citizens.
“In the pursuit of ethical governance, citizens must remain vigilant, holding politicians accountable for their actions. The collaboration between Tracka and other civil society organizations exemplifies the power of grassroots movements in uncovering truth and promoting transparency.
“The narrative of political charades must be confronted head-on, paving the way for a future where accountability and integrity reign supreme in Nigerian politics.
“As we reflect on the intricacies of political theater and the illusion of benevolence perpetuated by figures like Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, we are reminded of a timeless saying: “The greatest magic trick ever known to mankind is to put a piece of meat in the mouth and make it disappear.” Just as the art of sleight of hand mesmerizes audiences, so too do the grand gestures of politicians captivate constituents.
“In the case of Senator Yayi, the illusion of philanthropy serves as a veil, obscuring the truth of government-funded projects repackaged as personal donations. Like the vanishing act of the meat, the transformation of public resources into tokens of generosity is a sleight of hand that beguiles the public eye.”
The group, however, called on relevant government agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), and other oversight bodies to thoroughly probe Senator Adeola Olamilekan and other lawmakers who disguise government projects as their personal donations.
