Amosun's Costly Blunder: The Need for Accountability

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a startling admission, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun confessed to signing away the state's multibillion-naira free trade zone to dubious Chinese investors without due diligence. The ex-governor’s claim of being "deceived" into such a monumental decision raises serious questions about his leadership and the long-term repercussions for Nigeria.

Amosun's narrative of being misled by Zhongfu International Investment Ltd, which portrayed itself as a concerned party, speaks volumes about the lack of rigorous governance during his administration. His decision to hand over the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, a strategic asset, to a questionable firm without proper verification of their credentials or the veracity of their claims is nothing short of gross negligence.

The former governor’s attempt to deflect responsibility by suggesting he was a victim of deceit only highlights his failure to safeguard the interests of the state. This lapse has now embroiled Nigeria in a protracted legal battle, with Zhongfu's parent firm, Zhongshan, pursuing compensation claims against Nigeria's assets abroad—a move that has already seen alarming developments such as attempts to seize private jets used by President Tinubu in France.

Amosun’s careless actions have not only jeopardized the state's economic future but also placed Nigeria in a precarious position on the global stage. His belated realization and calls for the federal government to avoid any settlement with Zhongfu seem like an attempt to shift blame rather than taking full responsibility for his role in this debacle.

Nigeria cannot afford to let such a monumental mistake slide without holding those responsible accountable. Amosun’s tenure as governor has left a lasting scar on Ogun State’s economic landscape, and the consequences of his actions are now being felt on an international scale. It is imperative that the former governor be held accountable for signing Nigeria into this quagmire. The lessons from this costly blunder must be heeded to prevent future leaders from making similar reckless decisions that could endanger the nation's assets and credibility.