The Osun Mastermind, a civic group, has declared its intention to take legal action against the Osun State Government and report it to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding the alleged mismanagement of the N100 billion infrastructural development funds.
In addition, the group has called on the federal government to direct relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into recent financial interventions provided to states, to ensure that these interventions are utilized for their intended purposes and reach the intended beneficiaries.
During a press conference held on Monday in Osogbo, the Executive Director of TOM, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, expressed concern over the possibility of Osun State returning to a state of excessive borrowing and financial recklessness.
Addressing the Osun State government, Prof. Oyedokun-Alli cautioned against hasty financial decisions, particularly in the current financial crisis faced by the state.
“In order to fulfill the President’s promise of restoring hope to Nigerians, we must establish a culture of transparency and accountability within all levels of governance,” he stated.
The group plans to petition the ICPC regarding borehole projects, procurement laws, and official documentation related to the N100 billion infrastructural development fund.
Prof. Oyedokun-Alli questioned the inclusion of certain projects in the budget, as well as the source of the funds used by the Governor.
“Are all these projects properly captured in the budget? Where did the Governor acquire the funds from? We believe that the ICPC will take appropriate action to curb financial recklessness and rescue the state,” he asserted.
The Osun Mastermind will receive the completed petition after it has been submitted and acknowledged by the EFCC at the close of business on Monday.
Furthermore, Prof. Oyedokun-Alli criticized the government’s plans to construct flyover bridges, deeming it a wasteful use of resources in a struggling economy.
He advised that the funds allocated for flyover bridges be redirected towards rapid infrastructural development across local government areas and the improvement of road networks in the state.
“The Akoda-Oke, Gada-Ofatedo road, which was identified as a priority project in the infrastructure plan, has already been initiated prior to this time. Construction work on the road began several months ago,” he explained.
“We are not aware of any supplementary budget presented to the House of Assembly and there is no indication of any budgetary provision made for the construction of that road in the 2023 State Appropriation Act. Therefore, we question the source of funds used to mobilize contractors to commence work on that road,” he added.
Prof. Oyedokun-Alli emphasized that the state’s procurement law does not permit arbitrary awarding of contracts. He raised concerns over the possibility of implementing extra-budgetary spending and urged the government to clarify their actions.
It remains to be seen what actions the anti-graft agencies will take in response to the group’s petition and allegations.
tags: Osun State Government, infrastructural development fund, EFCC, ICPC, financial interventions, transparency, probity, financial recklessness, flyover bridges, Akoda-Oke, Gada-Ofatedo road, anti-graft agencies, petition
