Osun Assembly threatens to sue project consultant for over $5 million bribe allegation

[ad_1]

The Osun State Assembly has threatened to sue the Ilesa water project consultant, Tawa Williams, for defamation.

Ms Williams had said some Assembly members had asked her for a $5 million bribe.

Ms Williams said lawmakers who approached her for the bribe were led by House Water Resources Committee Chairman Nasiru Olateju.

But Assembly Speaker Timothy Owoeye in Thursday’s plenary condemned the allegation.

According to a statement by his media assistant, Kunle Alabi, the president gave the project consultant 24 hours to withdraw the charge or face the law.

“The House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye gave Engineer Tawa Williams 24 hours to withdraw his allegation of corruption against the Assembly Committee, his failure to do so within the aforementioned hours , the Assembly will be forced to seek redress in the courts because no amount of blackmail will stop the Assembly from playing its constitutional role,” he said.

The President insisted that none of the lawmakers would demand a bribe before performing their constitutional duties.

The Osun House of Assembly will never seek any gratuity from any government agency or individual before it can adequately discharge its constitutional duties,” he added.

Said engineer Tawa Williams had shown she was not worthy of being given such a huge responsibility with her recent outburst of blackmailing her to keep herself afloat with her appointment as a water project consultant,” said said the speaker.

READ ALSO: $418 Million Debt: Court Sets Judgment Date in Paris Club Claim

Mr Owoeye, however, urged House members not to let the allegation deter them from carrying out their duties.

The President instructed the members of the Water Resources Commission not to be discouraged in the performance of their duties. His latest outburst reinforces the need for you to wrap up your work and make your report official.

Adeleke’s stance

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke said he was not looking to hunt witches, but to ensure that the people of Ilesa have clean, drinkable water.

Governor’s spokesman Olawale Rasheed told PREMIUM TIMES the money allegedly spent does not reflect the project.

Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.

Give

TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie – +2348098788999

[ad_2]