Makinde Sets Up 7-Man Committee To Probe LGs Account

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday set up a 7-man committee to look into the account of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Area (LCDAs) from January, 2018 to May 2019.

Makinde asked the committee to submit its report within 6 weeks.

The governor explained that the action became necessary due to scarcity of funds and to define means of fund activities for government and not in any way denote going after the past administration rather, it is to improve the standard of living of the people at the grass root.

Makinde admonished the committee to carry out the task efficiently and ensure they get to root of any form of mismanagement.

In the same vein, the governor also set up a 5-man visitation panel each to The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki and The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa to look into the ongoing management crisis with a view to providing solutions and submit their reports within 3 weeks. He explained that the state government in its bid to ensure continuous peace and academic progress in the institutions decided to intervene in the matter which has been long overdue.

The 7-man committee to look into the account of Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is led by Justice Popoola (rtd).

Members are: Dr Remi Ayodele, Mr Adeniyi Samuel Ayanwale, N.A Abiola (Esq), Mr Adewola Illiasu, ACP Sunday Oke and Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

The 5-man visitation panel to The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki is chaired by Mr. Toyin Akanmu. Members are: Mr R. O Olawale, Mrs E. E Akintunde, Mr I. S Yusuf, Mr A Oyewusi.

The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa visitation panel is headed by Mr. Wole Oladokun. Members are: Mr J.T Adelowo, Mrs N Shittu, Mr A . W Mustapha, Mr A. A Adewusi.

Makinde, while speaking said, “Let me reassure you that this government is not in any way going after the past administration. We are only setting the stage for our government to take off and deliver the dividends of democracy to the entire citizenry. In fact, I must state that the committee we are inaugurating today is in pursuant to the Public property and Funds (Investigation and Recovery) Panel Law, Cap 138,Vol.4 of the Oyo state Law, 2,000.

“Section 3 of the Law states thus: “Whenever it shall appear to the Government of the State that any person or body of persons in the custody of any property belonging to the government or any company in which the State Government has any interest however arising or is accountable to the government for any contract entered into or purported to have been entered into between him and the government or monies which he may have collected on behalf of or for the purposes of the government, the Governor may set up a panel to investigate or ascertain the identity and extent of such properties or fund and make order for recovery of such property or fund.”

“The Seven-Man Committee is expected to investigate any dealing with the funds of Local Government Councils and Local Council and Development Areas and other matters as they affect the Local Governments and retrieve all monies traceable to any individual and impound any equipment traceable to any individual.

“Let me at this juncture admonish the members of the Committee to carry out this task efficiently and effectively. The task ahead is not that of the Governor but that given to them by the entire citizens of Oyo State. They are on this committee to serve the people of the state. The Local Government is the government at the grassroots level and they are the closest to the people. It is therefore important to take into consideration all matters that affect our people as we have promised them a sound service agenda.

“Let me promise straightaway our unqualified support in this assignment as we are determined to get to the roots of any form of mismanagement that the councils have been subjected to these past years. On this note, I appreciate all members of the Committee for 2accepting to serve in this capacity. I wish you all success in this endeavor.”