Groups Seek Proof on Claims Against Senator Adeola

Civil society groups are asking for proof to back claims about federal projects and empowerment programs linked to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. They want Nigerians to understand the difference between claims, findings, and real facts.

The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) and the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) made this call on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

The groups said they based their stance on monitoring done by their organizations and partners in Ogun West and other areas. This included visits to project sites, talks with residents and beneficiaries, and keeping records through reports, photos, and field observations.

They noted their monitoring looked at roads, schools, electricity, healthcare projects, and empowerment programs for traders, artisans, farmers, youths, students, and others.

According to the groups, their teams found real and visible projects in several communities. In some cases, they said the projects met good standards.

But they stressed that just having a physical project does not answer questions about how it was procured, the contracts' values, quality, or financial dealings.

"Procurement processes, contract values, quality, value for money, and financial transactions remain legitimate areas for scrutiny," the groups stated.

"But such questions must be examined through records and verifiable evidence rather than assumption or inference."

The organizations also mentioned that their monitors noticed officials from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) watching some programs during field activities.

They clarified that they do not speak for the commission and do not know its findings.

The groups insisted that claims of a project not being completed should be checked by inspecting the site. They said any claims about misuse of public funds must be supported by financial records.

They also want proof for claims about procurement issues, inflated contracts, or undisclosed ownership of companies linked to the senator.

According to the organizations, Adeola, being a public official, is open to scrutiny. But they said allegations should not be taken as facts just because they have been repeated or published.

"Repetition does not turn an allegation into evidence, and publication does not make an allegation a verdict," they said.

The groups also expressed worry about the independence of civil society organizations amid the ongoing issue.

They said CSOs have a duty to question public officials, expose wrongdoings, and demand transparency. But they should not become tools in political disputes.

The organizations noted they received hints that political interests might be involved in the controversy.

But they stressed they have not verified this information and will not present it as a fact.

"Our duty is not to protect Senator Adeola from valid scrutiny or to help anyone harm him politically. Our duty is to the truth and the public interest," they said.

The groups also mentioned the timing and context of the allegations need to be looked at closely. They observed that many projects they monitored existed before the current political battles heated up.

However, they warned against assuming the timing of the allegations means there is a political motive.

"The right response is not to dismiss allegations based on timing or accept them because they are politically useful. The right response is to check every claim against verifiable facts," they said.

The organizations urged Nigerians, especially those in Ogun State, to look at available records, visit project sites, talk to beneficiaries, and judge the claims based on evidence.

They also called on other civil society organizations to confirm claims before spreading them and to use the same level of scrutiny for everyone involved.

The groups stated that their monitoring reports, photos, and field observations are available for review.

They maintained that where wrongdoing is found, the right authorities should take action. At the same time, projects that were completed and beneficiaries who received help should also be recognized.

"Let no allegation replace evidence. Let no political story erase projects that people can see and verify," the groups said.