My recent inquiries into the real issues behind the
contentious Cross River state liaison office building which was originally at
42, Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island Lagos. Has revealed some
abnormalities as regards the public property. It is important to note that the
said property that belongs to the state just as other states own similar
properties in same environ for similar purpose has become a private property.
For better understanding of this
subject matter, it is expedient we look into the very essence of this
provision, that is the reason for a state liaison office.
A state liaison office is an office that liaises between two states. It can also be seen as an embassy in another state but representing the state that set it up. The citizens of such state can access all the services they should have gotten from their state, at this office and also all information concerning the state that set it up.
A state liaison office is an office that liaises between two states. It can also be seen as an embassy in another state but representing the state that set it up. The citizens of such state can access all the services they should have gotten from their state, at this office and also all information concerning the state that set it up.
In the case of Cross River State Liaison
office, it has always carried out this statutory function and many more, such
as the housing of some of its staff and had remained a source of temporary
accommodation for trafficked ‘returnees’. And also Crossriverians who are also
handed over to the liaison office before they are transported back to the
state. In most instances deportees could also be included, as it is generally
believed that one’s such people gets to their state liaison offices help had
reached them. In this regards the size of the building has been very
instrumental in meeting up this needs and it has also acted as the
administrative office for the government functionaries when they are in the
state, as it provides some essential services to such emissaries.
All these services were possible
because of the size of the building. Until the government of Donald Duke
decided to let go of the priced apartment at the choice location. It is argued
at some quarters that it was a government decision to sell off the property at
the expense of the essential services it rendered, for the benefit of a few, as
it has been alleged that the said property which was to be sold became a
personal property of the people at the helm of affairs in that administration.
And the liaison office then after,
relocated to a very small property located at 6c Club road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The
new building barely can contain all the officers as they could be seen sharing
a common floor and the office of the special adviser located just by the side
in a not too spacious corner.
This has given rise to issue
starring at us and waiting for answers, such as, why did the government sell
the priced property? Who actually was it sold to? Why was a smaller apartment
gotten, does it mean the initial building was too large for the purpose? Must
it be the take home package of those at the helm of affairs?
It is expedient that his Excellency Donald Duke provides answers to these question that have remained un-answered for too long.
It is expedient that his Excellency Donald Duke provides answers to these question that have remained un-answered for too long.
It is worthy of mention to note
that attempts to get his Excellency’s own side of the story has proven
abortive, with his staff creating bottle necks around.
Considering the fact that in recent time, it has become a trend where ex government officials either allocates government properties to themselves upon their exit from office or amass such via purported means of either privatization or auction. It became imperative we talk about this.
Considering the fact that in recent time, it has become a trend where ex government officials either allocates government properties to themselves upon their exit from office or amass such via purported means of either privatization or auction. It became imperative we talk about this.
As information from some source
indicates the property is presently occupied by some cronies of the past
Governor of the state. Silence they say is golden, but on this, silence could
just be dangerous, as I further reiterate the call for clarity on the subject
matter just as 2019 draws closer.
Our mandate our power. And because
to whom much is given much is equally expected.
Victor Adaha
(Mr Apolitical)
(Mr Apolitical)
The writer is an apolitical columnist and analyst void of
any form of sentiment. This piece is not a diatribe to any person, institution
or body and should not be regarded or seen as malicious or defamatory.
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