…Signs MoU with ICPC Boss

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has vowed to punish any political office holder found to have mismanaged or stolen public funds in the state.

Adeleke, who said his administration is committed to transparency and accountability in managing public funds in the state, disclosed that he will sack and hand over any political appointee or official of the state government found guilty of stealing or mismanaging money.

The Chief Executive of the state spoke while signing a memorandum of understanding with the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, and his management team at the Government House in Osogbo on Monday.

“We welcome the ICPC into our dear state where our government has zero tolerance for corruption. You are in Osun State where our government is implementing a multi-billion naira infrastructure agenda.

“Mr. Chairman, permit me to inform you and your team that my sole ambition in this governorship is selfless public service. As God has blessed me and my family before attaining this office, we are giving back to the people by ensuring the judicious application of public funds and resources. During the inauguration of my cabinet, I openly warned those with a corrupt mindset to opt out before it is too late. We apply rigorous vetting in the financial approval process and ensure the enforcement of the procurement laws without fear or favor.

“The ambitious agenda surprised both friends and foes when I announced the plan in December 2023. Many challenged our government on how and where we are going to get the funding. The scale of the projects listed in the plan raised so much dust as this is the first of its kind in the history of Osun State.

“But we assured the public then that we will ensure the full implementation of the infra plan through financial discipline and a new tone in the management of state finance. Our government rolled out several initiatives, including the creation of special project accounts, blocking leakages in the revenue collection system, increasing internally generated revenue, reducing overhead costs, and deliberately saving from government earnings.

“Midway into the implementation period, I am happy to report that we have made significant headway. The projects are ongoing in line with the approved schedule, supervised by tested professionals in the field. As the infra plan is being implemented in phases, the first phase has reached an advanced stage. Our government has turned Osun into a huge construction site, with all the senatorial districts and local governments benefiting.

“Our government is, therefore, elated to partner with the ICPC to further deepen good governance, especially in terms of anti-corruption protocols.”

He said anti-corruption agencies have delicate assignments that demand the support and cooperation of those holding top government offices.

“Our government is today demonstrating this political will by entering into a partnership with the ICPC on project monitoring and evaluation.

“I have no doubt that this agreement will enhance existing quality assurance and also expand the anti-corruption infrastructure within Osun State.”

Earlier, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said, “It is with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at this significant event, marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Osun State Government.

“This collaboration embodies our collective resolve to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability in Osun State.

“The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Article 5(2) mandates that ‘Each state party shall endeavor to establish and promote effective practices aimed at the prevention of corruption.’ Similarly, the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), enshrines the principle that ‘The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.’ These foundational texts provide a clear directive: corruption in any form must be eradicated for our nation to thrive.

“Section 6 (b-f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act empowers our Commission to undertake a comprehensive range of activities. We are tasked with evaluating and reviewing public bodies’ practices, systems, and procedures to identify and mitigate fraud or corruption.

“We instruct, advise, and assist officers, agencies, and parastatals in combating these issues. We recommend necessary changes to reduce bribery and corruption, educate the public on related offences, and garner public support in this vital fight.

“These provisions have been affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of the Attorney General of Ondo State v Attorney General of the Federation and Others, reinforcing our mandate.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward. Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State.

“As the Chairman of the ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government.

“Our collaboration with the Osun State Government is a testament to this belief. Together, we will galvanize support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption.

“This also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for ‘improved governance for effective service delivery.’ Let us remember that our success in combating corruption is not merely for the present generation but also for the future of our beloved nation.

“By working together, we can create a society where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the norms. I am confident that we will achieve our goals with the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved.”