Epe LG Councillors Rally Behind Chairman Surah Animashaun, Debunk Financial Misconduct Allegations

• Epe LG councillors unanimously cast a vote of confidence on Chairman Surah Animashaun.
• Allegations of financial misconduct dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.
• Oversight reports confirm transparency and developmental achievements across wards.

Councillors of Epe Local Government have publicly defended the Executive Chairman, Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, over allegations of financial misconduct circulating on social media, describing the claims as baseless, politically motivated, and lacking evidence.

Ekohotblog gathers that during a legislative session at the council chamber, the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Oniga Kazeem, took the floor to address the matter, calling on his colleagues to stand in solidarity with the chairman.

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“My leader and esteemed colleagues, I rise to address the matter of great importance and to defend our chairman, who has always championed transparency in governance.

These social media allegations are unfounded. As legislators, we know our role is to make laws and perform oversight function, and Madam Chairman has consistently followed due process in all financial dealings,” he said.

Councillor Adesoye Araba, representing the riverine areas of Epe Local Government, elaborated on the rigorous budgetary process that governs financial matters in the council.

“Before any fund is spent, there is a comprehensive budget retreat, followed by departmental submissions. Every three months, departments must report back on how funds are used.

This process is monitored by the state government, and the chairman has never breached protocol,” he explained.

Hon. Ikujenya Olawale of Ward A4 also dismissed the accusations, challenging those behind them to present verifiable evidence.

“As lawmakers, we conduct quarterly oversight where all heads of departments and supervisors present financial reports. There is no proof of misconduct.

As Chairman of the Health Committee, I can testify that the chairman has made health a priority – from constructing doctors’ lodges to paying hospital bills, even for referrals to teaching hospitals in Lagos. She has upgraded primary health centres to near-general hospital standards,” he said.

Councillor Oluwo Rasheed of Ward A6 highlighted that the budget includes inputs from all wards and that the chairman ensures all community needs are addressed.

“The chairman never neglects the people’s requests. Each ward submits its needs, and they are considered in the budget,” he affirmed.

In support, Hon. Kazeem Adelaja, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, outlined several agricultural initiatives facilitated by the chairman.

“She has empowered farmers — crop, fish, and poultry — with resources and palliatives, which have helped ease food scarcity in the community.”

Hon. Lawal Adedeji of Ward A1 focused on welfare, noting, “The chairman has extended food and cash palliatives to the needy and implemented empowerment programs for women to become financially independent.”

The councillors jointly referred to a recent oversight visit where they inspected ongoing and completed projects.

“We saw Akodu Street at 50% completion, Kila Street completed, Papa Doctors’ Lodge completed, the skills acquisition centre completed, and ongoing work at the museum, library, and health centres,” Hon. Oniga revealed.

The leader of the house, Epe LG Hon Kareem Pitan emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to laws guiding local government operations.

“There is no LGA in Lagos operating outside the law. We have Local Government Administration laws with strict checks and balances.

All programs executed under Princess Surah Animashaun align with the budget,and funds are properly accounted for” he stated

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In conclusion, the councillors called on the public to disregard the allegations, describing them as acts of political sabotage aimed at tarnishing the achievements of the Animashaun-led administration.

A vote of confidence was cast on the Chairman of Epe LG and all the House agreed to it.

They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the truth and showcasing the developmental strides witnessed under the current leadership.

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