Emmanuel lkpeama
The Member of the House of Representatives representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency,Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo (BAO),has denied allegations of involvement in the arrest of a journalist over a purported ₦350 million constituency project scandal.
In a press release signed by the Media Aide to the MHR,Mr Shofolu Gbeminiyi stated that the allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.
According to the statement, Hon. Olabinjo was not involved in, aware of, or connected to any alleged arrest of a journalist as the issue referenced in the publication concerns a personal legal action independently pursued by an individual who felt defamed in a private capacity, with no relation to Hon. Olabinjo or his office.
The office also noted that the allegations of ₦350 million siphoned constituency funds are baseless, pointing out that the same source had earlier published a conflicting figure of ₦450 million.
This inconsistency, the office said, exposes the deliberate falsehood and lack of credibility behind the claims.
The statement went further to clarified that constituency projects are implemented by designated government agencies under the supervision of the National Assembly, and lawmakers neither receive nor directly manage such funds.
“The Office of Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo (BAO), Member of the House of Representatives representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, has noted with concern a misleading and politically motivated publication circulating online.
“The report falsely alleges that Hon. Olabinjo was involved in the arrest of a journalist over a purported ₦350 million constituency project scandal.”
“We wish to state unequivocally that this allegation is entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”
“At no point was Hon. Olabinjo involved in, aware of, or connected to any alleged arrest of a journalist.”
“The issue referenced in the publication concerns a personal legal action independently pursued by an individual who felt defamed in a private capacity. It has no relation whatsoever to Hon. Olabinjo or his office.”
“On the allegation of the supposed “₦350 million siphoned constituency fund,” it is imperative to note that the same source had earlier published a conflicting figure of ₦450 million.”
“This inconsistency alone exposes the deliberate falsehood and lack of credibility behind their claims.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, constituency projects are implemented by designated government agencies under the supervision of the National Assembly. Lawmakers neither receive nor directly manage such funds.
The Media Aide urge the public, supporters, constituents, and the media to disregard the baseless report and verify any information relating to Hon. Olabinjo directly through his duly recognized office.
“Hon. Olabinjo remains committed to transparency, development, press freedom, and serving the people of Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency.”he submitted
