January 29, 2015 – The Jimi Agbaje Campaign Organisation has responded to sweeping allegations made by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola that the candidate of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje evaded taxes for a period of four years, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
In a statement, Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Pius Oboagwina described Fashola’s comment as personal and unprovoked especially, when it is coming at a time that Fashola’s Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi has personally written a commendation letter to his office, commending him for honoring his tax obligations to the state.
He described his utterance as nothing but a curious contradiction few days after receiving later of commendation from the same government.
“It is a curious contradiction that several days later, the Governor himself would express sentiments clearly in contradiction to the spirit and letter of that voluntary and unsolicited commendation from the state.
“Are they feeling the heat of Agbaje and PDP’s impending victory in the state, or how does one explain this recourse to personal attacks recently embarked upon by chieftains of APC?’, he said, adding that although he founded JayKay Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Agbaje left the directorship of the company in 2006, and that it is on record with the state that he is no longer involved in the running of the company.
“And today, he is not even an Executive Director”, Oboagwina said.
“We have a letter signed by Ayo Gbeleyi, Honourable Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, where Agbaje received commendations for fulfilling his tax obligations. The letter from the Ministry says: “A review of our payment records from 2011 shows that you have been consistent with the payment of Land Use Charge on the above property (Agbaje’s residence in Apapa).
“The Lagos State Government wishes to express its appreciation to you on your consistent fulfilment of your civil responsibility and your singular contribution towards the development of the state.
“We look forward to your continued cooperation in this regard,” the letter said.
He recalled that the Governor only about two weeks ago said that Agbaje was too old to be Governor, although the PDP Candidate is only 57, he said, adding that the fresh outburst amounts to another futile attempt at mudslinging by a desperado group that is up against a formidable opponent, and it has only succeeded in staining the source.
