publication by SaharaReporters on July 7 titled “Panic at National Assembly As Over 50 Lawmakers Allegedly Test Positive For COVID-19”. The House constrained to release this refutation of the gross misinformation

The attention of the house of representatives has been drawn to a publication by SaharaReporters on July 7 sensationally titled “Panic at National Assembly As Over 50 Lawmakers Allegedly Test Positive For COVID-19”. The House is therefore constrained to refute it as attached below:

RE: HOW GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN AND ECONOMIC ADVISER DUPED SUBEB CONTRACTORS IN OGUN STATE

Babatunde Adedokun said he came across an opinion article online with the referred title, alleging the indiscriminate delegation of executive duties by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi and especially the Governor's Economic Adviser, Dapo Okubadejo. The writer primarily alleged that the said delegation has hindered the distribution of award letters to contractors who bid for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Contract.

These allegations are not only ridiculous because they are unrealistic but also because they are lagging in facts and the understanding of the prevalent circumstances hindering the despatch of the award letters, all of which are ready for collection.

It is understandable if the writer misconstrues or mischievously twists the fact of official delegation, but they should be educated enough to know that the appointments at all of both the SSG and the Economic Adviser were for the purpose of delegation, consultancy and assistance. How then does the performance of one's official duty imply negligence of responsibility?

In addition, the writer is probably unaware of the fact that the current administration of the Ogun State Government, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, does not deal in the "we we" mediocre way of contract awards, so contractors must have been selected based on a rigorous investigation of company profiles and capabilities. This resulted in the spread of all contractors across and even outside in the borders of the State.

Consequently, due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, these letters cannot effectively be picked up by the contract awardees because of the lockdown, interstate border closure and other work and social restrictions.

While the misplaced allegation of indiscriminate delegation is not deserving of the least attention, I am privy to information that the letters of the SUBEB contractors are ready for pick up and will reach each contractor as soon as possible and as the pandemic situation permits.

Unfortunately, it appears that the purveyors of fake news and misleading stories and opinions will not rest despite the media's enlightenment on the drastic effects of these on national security.

He said he strongly plead with the State Government to intensify sensitisation programmes on the effects of this nefarious act. Maybe one day, everyone will seek the good of all, not the good of some.