Lagos State House of Assembly has said it has zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
Consequently, the House has resolved to continue to promote accountability, due process and the fight corruption in the state.
The assembly clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, who stated this in Lagos after being conferred with a prestigious leadership award by the Fight Against Corruption Organization (FACO), said corruption is an endemic scourge and must be uprooted through concerted efforts of the government and well-meaning Nigerians for the dividends of democracy to reach the citizens.
Represented by his personal assistant, Mr. Ibraheem Kehinde, the clerk said, “I am happy FACO is one of the leading human rights organisations sensitising people, the private sector and government on the dangers inherent in corrupt practices”.
He said, “Fighting corruption, institutionalising accountability and due process have been the hallmarks of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”
Onafeko said the legislative institution would continue in that regard to ensure the state and the country are placed on the pedestal of good governance and socio-economic prosperity.
While commending FACO for being relentless in its pursuit of a corruption-free society, the clerk noted that the anti-corruption organisation had in the last seven years been recognising and rewarding competence, transparency and accountability in public service and governance.
According to the clerk, “The award bestowed on me was in recognition of the Assembly, under able and dynamic leadership of Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa’s stance against corruption and excellent performance in catering for the welfare of the people and ensuring they enjoy dividends of democracy through good governance.”
Earlier, the chairman of FACO, Dr. Francis Shopekan said the Prestigious Leadership Award was bestowed on the clerk because of his “untainted integrity, honesty, handwork and undeniable impact in various Offices he has served.”
He said FACO was motivated to give him the award for the innovation and transformation he had brought to the Assembly since his assumption as its clerk.
“Your immense contributions to the development of the Lagos State House of Assembly, your leadership skills, your track record of success and achievements over the years, your proven integrity, credibility, discipline, efficiency, compassionate heart, selfless service to humanity and your love for God have combined to distinguish and brought you to this level,” he concluded.