Group Demands Investigation Into Alleged Forgery Of Akeredolu’s Signature

Afonne Emmanuel
Dec, Wed, 2023

Politics , General News

Group demands investigation into alleged forgery of Akeredolu’s signature

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By Segun Giwa

The Ondo State Conscience Movement (OCM) has called for an investigation into the alleged forgery of the signature of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, following the division among political groups in the state.

Chairman of the Movement, Mr Shalom Olaseni, made the call on Tuesday, in a statement saying that the fight between supporters of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, might have necessitated the forgery.

It would be recalled that while some people were clamouring for the deputy governor to take over the affairs of the state following Akeredolu’s ill health, others were against it as the governor was not incapacitated and cannot transfer his authority.

“The fight between the groups was responsible for the alleged forgery of Akeredolu’s signature,” he said.

Olaseni called on Aiyedatiwa who is likely to become the acting governor as Akeredolu had planned to embark on a medical leave. to thoroughly investigate the forgery allegation to save the state’s funds from being misappropriated.

“These allegations, if proven to be true, pose a grave threat not only to the credibility of the state’s leadership but also to its resources and reputation on the national stage.

“It is imperative to highlight the damaging consequences of the alleged signature forgery.

“Such actions not only undermine the democratic fabric of the state but also compromise the allocation and utilisation of resources.

“The potential misuse of the ailing governor’s signature could lead to misappropriation of funds, tarnishing the reputation of Ondo State and jeopardising its developmental endeavours.

“The findings must be made public to ensure transparency and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

“The Movement asserts that this investigation is not just a matter of legal scrutiny but a crucial step towards reclaiming the integrity of the state’s governance structures,” Olaseni said.

He frowned at the prolonged delay in handing over the affairs of the state to the deputy governor, saying that the constitution was clear on the matter.

“The movement also wishes to expresses vehement disapproval of the prolonged and protracted failure to transfer executive powers to Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as mandated by the law.

“This could have prevented the circumvention of executive powers by signature forgers.

“This delay tactics that kept executive powers revolving around the ailing governor for too long raised serious questions about the commitment of those in authority to the principles of transparency, accountability, and due process.

“It is an affront to the citizens of Ondo State who deserve a government that operates within the bounds of legality and ethical governance.

“The transmission of executive power to the Deputy Governor by Governor Akeredolu is therefore commendable even though needlessly drawn-out, as the State Assembly is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of the people.”

Olaseni urged the State Assembly members to stop seeking instructions from external entities and shuttling to and from Abuja for guidance on matters that should be clear-cut, based on the law and due process.

This practice, Olaseni said does not only reflect poorly on the autonomy of the State Assembly, but also raises serious doubts about the ability of its members to act independently, in the best interest of the state.

He urged stakeholders and Civil Society Organisations in the state to work together in the fight against corruption. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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