With effect from Wednesday, all proven cases of
corruption, financial mismanagement and misappropriation of government funds
are now punishable under Oyo State laws, as the state Governor, Seyi Makinde,
signed into law the Oyo State Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Bill, a
domestication of the anti-graft agencies established by the federal government.
He signed the bill into law at a brief ceremony
which was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office in Agodi,
describing the latest move as an opportunity for his administration to prove to
the world that he can run a transparent and accountable government.
The event was witnessed by top government
functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan; Speaker of the
state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by the Majority
Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin; Secretary
to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun; the Chief of Staff, Chief
Bisi Ilaka; state Head of Service, Mrs. Amidat Agboola; commissioners, Special
Advisers, members of the state House of Assembly among other political
appointees.
Makinde, in a brief remark after signing the bill into
law, reiterated that corruption is a menace that must be fought to a halt
because of its negative consequences on the people, especially in terms of
delaying infrastructural development.
He assured the people that the law is not to harass
or witch-hunt any individual or political party but to ensure a new culture of
doing what is right in the interest of the development and progress of the
people and the state, adding that he remains committed to his promise of
wavering his immunity to answer questions before the Commission, if the need
arises.
According to him, "We have just signed in the
anti-corruption law for Oyo State. There is nothing to be afraid of, nothing to
fear at all.
“Why we have domesticated the anti-corruption law
is just as we want governance to get closer to the grassroots, the same way we
have to guide the resources of the state up to the grassroots level.
"Corruption kills the society. When monies
meant for projects, salaries and certain developmental initiatives are diverted,
we miss such opportunity. So, we believe that we have to tackle corruption. I
said during my inaugural address as the governor of Oyo State that I will be
ready to wave my immunity to face any corruption charges against my person, and
my statement still stands. I still maintain that position.
"This is not a law to witch-hunt anyone, it is
not about politics or political interests, it is not about APC or PDP, it’s
about our state (Oyo). We know for a fact that, if we tackle corruption, then
we have more resources to take care of our people, and that is exactly what
this law is meant to achieve for us.”
Makinde added: "I want to implore everybody in
the state that we give you the assurance that we will act. We do know that people
may want to take certain things for granted. They may want to use this law to
settle scores, I have seen situation where people wrote frivolous petitions against
somebody who they have hatred for, but we will not condone that.”
"Our decisions on whether we want to
perpetrate corruption are waiting for us out there. So, I want to thank you and
give you the assurance that this law is to keep ourselves in check, hold
ourselves accountable.”
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