By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) has declared that the state has rid its civil service system of corruption through the agency’s activities.
During a radio programme on Ibadan, Oyo State-based Fresh FM, anchored by Isaac Brown on Monday, OYACA Chairman, Justice Eni Esan (rtd.), stated that the main goal of establishing the anti-graft office was to sanitise the public service and maintain zero tolerance for corruption in the state -a message which she claimed had permeated the society.
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s main goal when the board of Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency was constituted was to sanitise the public and civil servants at all levels and ensure they carry out their responsibilities without institutionalized corruption; through this, we have sent a clear message of zero tolerance for corruption in Oyo State.
“To achieve this feat, OYACA has handled over 600 petitions from the public, prosecuting many senior civil servants, securing convictions and operating five branches across the State to provide access for people to submit petitions,” she said.
Justice Esan disclosed that the agency has the power to investigate any individual, no matter how highly placed, in the state if there is any petition against him/her from members of the public.
While speaking on the independence of the agency, she pointed out that the Governor said it on the day of the OYACA Board’s inauguration that if a petition is written against anyone, no matter how highly-placed in the State, the agency should investigate such person.
“We have no pressure at all on any case, none at all, I am telling you the facts. You see, we are independent when it comes to our investigations; we can investigate any Individual, no matter how highly-placed, if a petition is written against him or her.
“He even said it on the day he inaugurated the board, that if a petition is written against whoever in the State, we should investigate him,” she asserted.
On the team that visited the radio station were OYACA Board member, Dr. Prince Oyebade Oyedepo; Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Tijani Esq.; Director, ICT, Folasade Ajibade; Director, Finance and Administration, Tajudeen Azeez; Director Administration and Supplies, Wasiu Alimi; and Chief Legal Officer, Eto-Abasi Olayanju.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
