Epe LG Chair Princess Animashaun has denied selling telecom masts and generators in Epe Council.
Epe Insights reports that Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the Epe Local Government Chairman, says allegations of illegal sale of government property, including disused telecom masts and generators within the council premises, are figments of the imagination of her detractors.
The Epe LG Chair said in an interview in Lagos that the disused items were constituting a nuisance and environmental hazards, adding that they were removed to prevent any health challenges to the staff of the council.
She said: “The allegations surrounding the sale of government properties, including telecommunications masts and generators, are entirely false. These items had deteriorated over time and become hazardous within the council premises. After obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant ministry, they were safely removed to prevent further risks to staff members.
“Regarding the alleged involvement of an “Aboki” or “Mallam” in the removal process, the individual in question merely assisted in clearing debris from the council premises at the request of the Supervisor for Environment. No financial transactions or negotiations took place regarding the sale of any government property. The misunderstanding arose from a lack of clear communication by those involved.”
Princess Animashaun said other allegations of financial mismanagement, certificate forgery, and plagiarism are figments of the imaginations of the people bent on dragging her reputation in the mud, adding that they are largely motivated politics.
Responding to financial mismanagement allegations, she said: “My administration has consistently provided stewardship reports to the public, ensuring transparency in the management of public funds. Additionally, financial monitoring agencies responsible for overseeing public allocations have never raised any concerns about our financial dealings. If there were any mismanagement, the appropriate authorities would have taken action against me. I urge the public to seek verification from the relevant institutions regarding the proper management of funds under my leadership.”
She also denied allegations of certificate forgery as false, noting that, “The screening authorities responsible for verifying the credentials of elected officials thoroughly examined my certificates before I assumed office. If there had been any discrepancies, I would not have been cleared to contest in the first place. I encourage the public to verify my credentials through the appropriate screening bodies for clarity.”
Princess Animashaun said she was also accused of plagiarising former Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN. She said the quote is a globally recognised quote that can be used by anyone to illustrate a point. “The claim of plagiarism is, therefore, baseless and untrue,” she said, adding that her commitment to serve her people remained unshaken.
“As the first female chairman in the history of Epe Division, I have worked tirelessly for the progress of our community.
“However, like Oliver Twist, I am committed to doing even more because I am a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
“It is evident that these baseless accusations are politically motivated, aimed at discrediting my administration and jeopardising my bid for a second term. However, leadership is ordained by God, not by human schemes. Attempts to tarnish my reputation for political gain will not succeed,” she said.
