The Comet, 30th May, 2001.
Sir: We refer to The Guardian newspaper of May 19, 2001 page 2 captioned "Bulletproof houses for Ekiti lawmakers" credited to Chief Diran Adesua – the Commissioner for Works and Transport. The Commissioner said, "30 units of Canadian prefabricated structures would be delivered before end of the year".

The story sounds absurd and unbelievable that, irrespective of the abundant human and material resources available in Ekiti, such as unlimited contractors, granites, sand, labourers and artisans, 30 units of house materials have to be imported. Why importing Canadian prefabricated structures for houses in Ekiti? The N180million cost of the 30 units will go to the Canadian company instead of giving it to local contractors, who in turn will make the cement blocks, employ labourers, bricklayers, carpenters and other artisans. This contract has denied the joy of having the rewards of Ekiti State creation in kind to the artisans in partaking in the development of infrastructure in Ekiti.

The importation of prefabricated materials is in a bad State, economically insensible. This is being done in a state where poverty rules, abound, where there are many unemployed youths, where there are more than enough contractors to use local materials to build such houses. Three-bedroom bungalow at N6.0 million will leave some profit for 30 local contractors at profit margin of at least 10 per cent. Where is the commitment of our government to Ekiti people in this scenario? Is it the idea of Ekiti State government or people or who are those behind the idea?

One can reasonably believe that this project has been embarked upon for dollar-domiciled account, but then, if you make your money in naira, you can easily change it to dollar from the mallams or the megida by the roadside in Ado or Lagos. Sometimes, some of the contracts out of Ado Ekiti are for the companies of powers that be or for their brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers’ company, hence, it does not matter how insensible the contract is, as far as the means justified the end. The types of houses we build in Nigeria were designed to accommodate our climate, so also the house design in any part of Europe, Canada, USA and countries of South America, are designed to withstand the snow, the cold weather, the hurricane, tornado, earthquake, which are not usually things we have to worry about in Nigeria. So why Canadian-design structure for Ekiti?

Our government might soon have to import bulletproof cars; bulletproof vests, bulletproof offices and bulletproof everything, because it can be for design not for control of loss of lives. But remember, these legislators were living with us before, why sudden protection of this magnitude? After they vacate office, they will still have to live with us. Ekiti people are so poor for this kind of luxury. It is not in my character to criticise the government of Otunba Niyi Adebayo, but I feel sad that the money of Ekiti State is being spent recklessly in this manner without the recourse to the benefit of the masses of Ekiti people. It would have been more beneficial if these 30 houses are awarded to 30 legislators or the Alliance for Democracy (AD) stalwarts in Ekiti, to use local materials to build the houses at N6.0million each. I am sure the legislators and AD stalwarts, who are honourable men, would have kicked against imported houses if they knew about it earlier. Lots of them have morals. This stinks; it is too difficult to ignore. Everybody should please react to this and condemn what is condemnable.

Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have concluded arrangements to embark on a trip to six European countries at a cost of N100 million.

THISDAY gathered that a letter seeking approval from the Governor, Chief Adebayo Adefarati had been sent with a view to commencing preparations for the journey.

Investigation, however revealed that the Governor apparently in a bid to cut cost reduced the number of countries to four. A source said that the journey would take about three weeks and it would afford the lawmakers the opportunity to understudy the system of sitting in the House of Legislature to be visited.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Kenneth Olawale who addressed the press on the activities of the House confirmed that the purpose of the trip was to gain experience from established democracies.

He exphasised that the overseas trip was necessary to give legislators an insight into the running of the legislature in other countries.

He seized the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the House in the last two years particularly the passing of eight bills and adoption of 122 resolutions being executed by the government.

Olawale said that the House would not be confrontational as confrontation will not promote the cause of democracy.

I also feel the that the flying congressmen are entitled to at least 10 countries. After all, Baba Iyabo has called at about 50 countries since he ascended his father's throne.

I suggest as matter of national importance that we seal off a major street at abuja for an Owambe in celebration of these two historic decisions.