Ilesa water project: Osun Assembly threatens legal action against contractor over $5m bribe claim

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Members of the Osun State House of Assembly have denied allegation level against them by the Consultant handling Ilesa water project, Mrs. Tawa Williams that they demanded for $5million bribe.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye in his reaction noted that the allegation was meant to tarnish the image of the lawmakers.

Williams had on Thursday accused the House of Assembly of demanding $5million from her on the project.

She specifically alleged that the Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Nasiru Olateju, demanded the $5million bribe on behalf of the assembly.

The consultant said the lawmakers had invited her and the team working on the site after an earlier inspection, lauding the quality of work done so far before demanding the bribe.

Williams also denied using a N75million project vehicle as claimed by the Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, noting that the project vehicle cost only N45million.

The Speaker demanded for retraction of the accusation within 24hours, otherwise the House of Assembly would take legal action against her.

He, however, said that the House of Assembly would investigate the bribery allegations and come out with true findings.

He said: “No amount of blackmail can stop the House of Assembly investigation.

“Such allegation can disturb peace, harmony and development of the state.

 “Within 24hours, if she did not retract the statement, she will be charged to court.”

He noted that there is no way she can stop the House of Assembly from their oversight functions.

In his own remarks, Olateju denied the allegation that he demanded for money from the consultant.