I never took one dime from public coffers — Ikuforiji

A former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji said he never took one dime from the public coffers aside what he was entitled to officially.

Ikuforiji stated this in an interview with Arise Television on Thursday.

The former speaker said he maintained integrity while in office, as he expressed frustration over the lack of trust Nigerians have in their leaders.

He said, “It is sad that the general populace will elect people into office and expect that everyone they elect only goes there to steal from the public.”

Ikuforiji said leaders are not imported from the moon but are among the people.

“Those who brought up the video did it on purpose to tarnish the image of the House of Reps and the National Assembly members, just to make the representatives look bad before the people,” he said.

On his tenure, Ikuforiji said he was investigated by the anti-grant agency for over three months, which found nothing wrong.

He said, “The one who led the search said this is the neatest and tidiest books he has ever found in any government department since he started working for the agency.”

Recall that Ikuforiji served as Speaker for 10 years and faced legal battles for more than 12 years.

Ikoforiji emphasised the need for Nigerians to reconsider their perception of leaders.

“We all have our problems, and it is a national one. There’s a need to look at our value system and revalue it,” he said.

Noting that elected officials should be held to higher standards and accountable, Ikuforiji urged the public to understand that not every officeholder is there to pilfer.

He said his case proves that some allegations are manufactured, adding that “Some leaders are still honest.”

Ikuforiji also commented on the broader issues facing Nigeria, such as reduced food production and the need for the nation to return to its agricultural roots.

“We just want to import, and that cannot help this nation,” he said, advocating for a return to the agricultural practices of 40-50 years ago to reinvent society.

Ikuforiji expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under the current administration, saying, “Tomorrow looks better with this present administration. I look forward to a better Nigeria.”