By Adekola Afolabi

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Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has sworn-in the Chairman and other members of the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Inaugurating the state Anti-graft commission on Tuesday at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Akeredolu challenged its chairman and immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Williams Akintoroye, and other members to effectively investigate and prosecute criminal activities in the state.

Other members of the commission are; Prof. Adewole Adeleye, Mr Cosmas Omotayo and Mrs Funmi Osundolire.

He insisted that the trials of corrupt cases should not be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government

Akeredolu described the Commission as a novelty in the State, explaining that the establishment of the Commission followed due process.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni and other top government functionaries.

The Governor who disclosed that corruption, as a social vice, has a wide spectrum, also added that the unwholesome activities of public servants must come under close scrutiny.

He said  the establishment of the Anti-graft Commission is in line with the claim that this current arrangement in the country is a Federal system of government.

Akeredolu revealed that all corrupt practices including those being perpetrated in the public service must be exposed and those behind it must also have their days in court.

“The commission of certain offences is local. Corruption trials should not be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government.

“Stealing is also an offence against the State. Therefore, if an allegation of crime falls within the purview of the State’s criminal jurisdiction, it is proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offence is committed.

“This Commission is expected to combat crime, effectively. Intelligence gathering should commence from the execution of the State Budget passed into Law. It is basic. It is our hope that this body will be able to track budgetary allocations for the benefit of the people.