By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a recent revelation that has sent shockwaves through Lagos State House of Assembly, allegations have emerged regarding the mishandling of severance payments meant for legislative aides. The spotlight is now on Hon. Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe constituency 2, as claims surface that severance meant for the aides of his predecessor, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, have been diverted.
According to an anonymous source who reached out to Kosofe Post, severance funds totaling 2 million naira were purportedly paid into Hon. Femi Saheed’s staff account instead of rightfully disbursing them to the aides of the late Hon. Tunde Braimoh. The source detailed that each aide was entitled to 500,000 naira, comprising individuals such as personal assistants, secretaries, drivers, and office assistants.
The controversy deepens as it is alleged that despite efforts by the aides of Hon. Tunde Braimoh to retrieve their entitlements, they were met with resistance from the Legislative Aides Matters office within the assembly. This office reportedly handled the matter with reluctance, leaving the Braimoh aides in a lurch.
Seeking resolution, the aides turned to Hon. Femi Saheed, hoping he would intervene and facilitate the rightful payment of their dues. However, their efforts were met with hostility, as Hon. Saheed allegedly rebuffed their pleas and even threatened legal action against them.
In response to the allegations, Hon. Femi Saheed defended himself, stating that legislative aides’ payments are typically made directly into their account, not the principals. He asserted ignorance regarding the specific earnings of his aides and emphasized the technicalities involved in salary disbursement, citing Oracle numbers and departmental regulations.
Furthermore, Hon. Saheed distanced himself from any knowledge of Hon. Tunde Braimoh’s aides, citing political differences and lack of interaction between their respective factions. He expressed surprise at the sudden claims for severance, suggesting a lack of formal communication from the aggrieved aides.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from the Clerk of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, have been delayed as he was reportedly engaged in a plenary session at the time of inquiry.