Table of Contents
- Accusations Between Osun State Government and APC
- APC's Statement
- Response from Osun State Government
- Commitment to Transparency
The Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have exchanged accusations regarding an alleged N300 million corruption scandal involving a senior civil servant in the state.
The APC, in a statement released by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, on Friday, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of protecting a female Permanent Secretary allegedly involved in the misappropriation of state funds.
According to the opposition party, certain political figures within the state have exploited what they termed administrative deficiencies in the current government to embezzle public resources.
“We demand: what could justify the Adeleke administration, which claims to uphold accountability and the rule of law, in shielding a female Permanent Secretary who has been caught embezzling over N300 million of government funds?” the APC questioned.
The party alleged that the state government was handling the matter secretly, asserting that there was a covert arrangement for the accused official to repay the money instead of facing legal action.
“A government that claims to operate transparently would not treat the corruption allegations against the implicated Permanent Secretary as a confidential issue,” the statement continued.
The APC also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police to intervene, calling on both agencies to ensure that justice is served.
Furthermore, the APC alleged that the implicated civil servant is married to a serving commissioner in Adeleke’s cabinet.
In contrast, the Osun State Government promptly denied these allegations, labeling them as “barroom gossip elevated to the status of party propaganda.”
In a statement from the Governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government asserted that there was no truth to any claims regarding a N300 million scandal.
“There is no N300 million scam or scandal in any Osun government agency or ministry, as Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to a transparent administration,” Rasheed stated.
He accused the APC of fabricating falsehoods to distract from its declining popularity among the people of Osun.
According to him, the state employs a procurement system with stringent oversight mechanisms, making such alleged corruption unfeasible.
“Osun operates under a procurement law with strict approval thresholds and adherence to due process. It is inconceivable that a ministry official could manage such substantial funds independently,” he elaborated.
Rasheed further emphasized that Governor Adeleke’s administration is dedicated to transparency and accountability, warning that the government might pursue legal action against the APC official responsible for the allegations.
“The allegations are defamatory, baseless, and purely imaginary. There will be legal repercussions for those disseminating falsehoods,” he cautioned.
He characterized Governor Adeleke as a leader committed to transparent governance who neither tolerates nor protects corruption.
“Governor Adeleke has never and will never condone corruption or shield any official if such misconduct were to occur,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the Osun State Government?
The APC has accused the Osun State Government of shielding a female Permanent Secretary involved in a N300 million embezzlement scandal.
How did the Osun State Government respond to these allegations?
The Osun State Government denied the allegations, calling them baseless and claiming that there is no evidence of a N300 million scandal.
What actions did the APC request regarding the alleged corruption?
The APC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
