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  • News - South West - Osun
  • Updated: December 21, 2022

Governor Adeleke Urged To Conduct Forensic Audit Of Osun Finances

Governor Adeleke Urged To Conduct Forensic Audit Of Osun Fin

A coalition of civil society organisations, the Osun Masterminds has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to as a matter of responsibility to conduct a forensic audit so as to ascertain the finances of the state.

The group, while addressing journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, spoke on the Osun debt profile of N407 billion, which has generated a lot of controversies.

According to the Executive Director of the group, Prof Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the revelation has generated accusations and counter-accusations that should never have been, if the Governor had demanded more clarity from the Accountant-general before going public with the revelation.

“While posturing like it wants to correct the Ills of the past administration(s), the incumbent government is allowing itself run sensations, instead of detailed feedback. We understand the need to keep emotions high as politicians, but we know that honorable handling of government business demands a more detailed and objective approach.

“The questions are simple. Who took what loan? Who approved the procurement of the loans?

"Who expended the loans? On what projects were these loans expended?

"What were the terms of these loans at the time they were taken?

"How far has the state gone in servicing these loans?

"Were there corrupt practices perpetrated in the course of procuring these loans?

“These questions can only be answered through a forensic audit of the state’s finances and if necessary, the formation of a panel of enquiry that will engage all past and present stakeholders.

"This is what Sen. Ademola Adeleke should do to get hold of all important facts and then present a detailed feedback to the people of the state."

On gold mining, the group said they are aware of the issues surrounding gold mining in the State, that culminated in the Governor’s decision to suspend operators of all mining licenses owned by the Osun State Government.

“As we have cautioned earlier, Gov. Adeleke must henceforth ensure that he is properly briefed on the details of issues, so that he does not continue to issue releases that will eventually be found lacking in facts.

“The Governor, having constituted a committee on Mining, should allow the committee do its job, give him detailed report and then base his statement on the matter on available facts.

"The committee should look at whether or not the past government received royalty from the license operators or not.

"What were the terms of the license lease? What are the present environmental impacts of the mining activities and are the host communities being adequately compensated? Is there any provision of the law that bequeaths 13% gold derivative on host states?

“When the above questions are answered by the committee, the Governor will be able to make more informed statements that will not lack solid bases."

On the issue of war at the various motor parks, the group said It is quite unfortunate that till date, no concrete effort has been made to rein in the non-state actors fomenting troubles under the guise of battle for supremacy at the garages.

“We are aware of reports of the gruesome murder of a former revenue collector in the State and other cases of violence.

"The government must act fast and decisively too, to ensure that the State does not become a war zone.

"All persons involved in these illegalities must be apprehended and brought to book.

"He must also as a matter of urgency, make known his policy for the management of parks and transport unions so that the supremacy battle is laid to a final rest."

The group however said they believe that it is too early to assess the Governor’s performances.

"They advise all stakeholders to give him time to settle into the business of governance.

"We also advise the Governor to settle in fast and stay away from needless distractions that may hinder the delivery of his electoral promises.”

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