By Miracle Ogunde
In preparation ahead of the gubernatorial primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, slated to hold tomorrow, Saturday, April 20, 2024, palpable tension has begun to rise in the sunshine state, Starnews NG reports.
The primary election contest has taken a new dimension with a new twist, following the visit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC officials to Akure, the state capital.
Starnews NG gathered that the visit was premeditated by various petitions to the anti-graft agencies to investigate illegal transactions, alleged signature forgery and fraudulent activities during the tenure of the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, while he was critically ill and incapacitated to govern the state from his sick bed.
Starnews NG reports that the visit of the anti graft operatives might not be unconnected with the invitation extended to Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, a former Finance Commissioner during late Akeredolu’s tenure.
This is coming after Starnews NG reported on Thursday April 18, that Mr. Akintenrinwa was invited for questioning over some corruption allegations.
Read Also: EFCC goes after Akinterinwa, asks him to appear 48 hours to Ondo APC guber’s primary
Also, Starnews NG earlier reported today that Akinterinwa had landed in Abuja on a private jet, to honour the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as disclosed by a reliable source.
The source said: “He(Akinterinwa) travelled this morning via a chartered flight”.
However, the Ondo State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN OON, today confirmed the visit of EFCC and ICPC operatives to the state.
In a telephone chat with Starnews NG, the Attorney General said that the operations of the anti-graft agencies are targeted at fraud and financial crimes which are currently taking place within the state.
Dr. Ajulo emphasized that the state government will not interfere with the operations of agencies.
According to him, some of the petitions are about the State’s resources of which the State Public Complaint, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commissions by the extant law in operation is empowered to look into.
It was learnt some citizens, civil society organizations, and even international entities, raised concerns about past government activities in series of petitions to the anti graft agencies.
Some petitions specifically implicate former government officials and associates, alleging misappropriation and signature forgery during the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Various issues emerged regarding alleged fraud committed by past and present government officials, using the name, approvals, and signatures of the late Governor.
“One particular focus of these petitions revolves around a youth empowerment program involving artisans and market women, as well as the use of unauthorized agreements to defraud the government of Ondo State”.
“We cannot obstruct any law enforcement agencies from conducting inquiries, as the Ondo State government is committed to upholding transparency and accountability in governance,” Ajulo hinted.
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