As a political observer cum skeptical learner, I’ve strategically read a report published by a popular online blog, Sahara–reporter, the report was not only saddened but left us devastated, seeing such from a perceived “Most transparent government”.
- Having read the allegation of misappropriation of 9 billion nairas, a supposed Local government fund, which is “supposed” to serve a fundamental purpose in our political life, as, the local government is said to be the bedrock of democracy, as, it’s the closest government to the common people in the grassroots, many thought lingers in my mind, the thought, ranges from, could this be true? Expressing my skeptical mind, another one was, this could be a political tantrum, but, a press release from the state government on Tuesday match 1 was an affirmation to the subject matter.
- Sincerely yours, While seeing the press release, as a skeptical being that I am, I went straight to check the signatory, then, I saw the commissioner of information, even though we would have wanted the release to come directly from the chief press secretary, as a direct aide to the governor, but as commissioner information, he’s also one of the very horse’s mouth to a topical issue like this. Then, I read through the press release with rapt interest, expecting the point of discourse to be completely addressed, but, at the end of the day, what I took home was the digression of the honorable commissioner from the point of discourse.
While I observed the digression as a political way of burying the subject from being discussed, the honorable commissioner was seeking public sympathy, even, regarding the Nigerian constitution. Sigh!
- Moreover, the honorable commissioner makes reference to Section 128(1) and (2) of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria that “Unless or until Oyo state house of assembly report or exposes any corruption inefficiency or waste in execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it to the Executive Governor Oyo state and commissioner of finance.
Meanwhile, I won’t see this as damage control, I must direct the honorable commissioner, Sir, to go through the Efcc establishment act and its mandate, while I may not want to subscribe to speculation, the State assembly is a subsect of the Executives in our several states, one will not but agree with me that, less than 10% of state assembly will ever raise such alarm to refer the excesses of the state to the EFCC, Instead, they will use ” This is Nigeria” way by getting their inappropriate “share” out of the said misappropriated funds.
Furthermore, I also recommend a sound legislative framework for the mandate of the EFCC, because the commission operates within a rough terrain and it is only its doggedness that has ensured the results that it has posted.
The key challenge of the Commission has been the absence of the requisite favourable legislative framework necessary for the success of the anti-corruption war. The first of these constraints is the absence of a special court for the trial of cases of corruption and financial crimes. Hence, the debilitating effect of the slow pace of trials. Were there to be a special court as we have always advocated, then the ratio of convictions in high profile cases and the resultant multiplier effect on the anti-corruption war will be enhanced.
Yet, EFCC has an independent mandate to invite, investigate and apprehend if need be, this should be most effective on every erring member of the public. Despite the House of Assembly not taking the leading roles in curbing corruption through regular invitations to scrutinize the financial transaction of the state government, So, EFCC is within its jurisdiction to invite; grill, and detain an erring Accountant general after the recommendation gotten from the members of the public.
Conclusively, so to say, the defence mechanism by the state government was so watery and less logical, as the subject under discussion (N9 billion theft) was not in any way addressed, was that an affirmation of the fact that the money was really looted? Sir, Yoruba will say “Tí kò bá ríbè, ójo béè” (if it’s not truly the real picture of the story, it appears to be close to reality).
You recalled that on May 29, 2019, Engr Seyi Makinde through his Chief of staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka sanctioned the chairmen of local governments elected during Governor Ajimobi’s administration, and subsequently appointed caretaker chairmen for several months while the Former ALGON seek redress, the fact has it that, All local government funds since then until after subsequent local government election was conducted, was in Local/state governments joints account, with that, one will think the elected All the chairmen will kick the ground running with several developmental and infrastructural projects, but, since then, what has Changed? Obviously nothing!.
I want on behalf of the generality of Oyo state indigenes, to appeal to the Economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC) not to rest on their hoarse, but, intensify their effort across boards to ensure Oyo state funds are properly utilized.
AJADI ISAAC OLUWASEGUN
