News

OYACA Promises Active Involvement in Oyo LG Polls

By Web News 298

..as Civil Defense Boss Tasks Politicians, Residents to Abide by Election Rules

By Nashirdeen Sherifdeen

The Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency OYACA, has expressed its readiness to be actively involved in the forthcoming Local Government Council election, saying it won’t be business as usual on the day of the election.

The Chairman of the Agency, Hon. Justice Eni Esan (Rtd) gave the assurance on Tuesday while playing host to the leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission OYSIEC, at the Agency, Agodi, Ibadan.

Hon. Justice Esan explained that the agency will mobilize its officers across the geopolitical zones of the state to monitor and report election malpractices that may occur and report to the agency for prosecution.

She said further that the collaboration would involve sensitization of Ad-hoc staff to be engaged by OYSIEC on the effects of corruption in the development of the nation.

Hon. Justice Eni, who expressed delight over the visit of OYSIEC, said the Agency will do its very best to ensure the success of the election.

Similarly, the Commandant, Nigerian Security Civil Defense Corps, Oyo State Command,  Commandant,  Augustine Padonu , has also revealed that maximum support will be given to the Electoral body of the state to have a credible and peaceful election in the state 

He noted that the command would deploy massive personnel for the election and urged OYSIEC to assist the command with useful information.

He advised residents of the state and politicians to play the game according to the rules laid down OYSIEC.

Speaking during the visits, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, said the need for collaborations cannot be overemphasized.

Olagunju submitted that lack of confidence and voter apathy were some challenges confronting the state’s Electoral Umpires in the country.

He called for the support of the command in the area of security of lives and properties to have a massive turn-out on election day.

Olagunju expressed the desire of the current OYSIEC to have an election that will be free of intimidation and all forms of election malpractices.

“ It is a great pleasure to be here. Apathy and lack of confidence remain serious concerns when it comes to elections in the country. 

”  In 2021, there were allegations of election malpractice, so, we want OYACA officers to go around on election day, arrest anyone who is involved in election malpractices and report to the agency for prosecution.

 ‘ We desired to have democratically elected administrators at the grassroots, our target is to leave a legacy that subsequent members of OYSIEC will follow, so, we need your active support to succeed.

” One of the reasons for apathy is insecurity, we have visited nearly all the radio stations in the state and promised residents of the state a peaceful and transparent elections.

“ The Commission needs the presence of your officers and men so that our people can be sure that the election will be peaceful. Also, there won’t be godfathers on the 27th April 2024 because everyone is equal before the law. Olagunju added.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

OYSIEC Reveals Plan to Collaborate with OYACA 

By Web News 444

...Advocates Change Of Attitude Among Residents

By Nashirdeen Sheriffdeen

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission OYSIEC, has revealed its plan to collaborate with the Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency OYACA, on the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election in the state.

The Chairman of the Commission, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, while featuring on a Yoruba live Radio program on Tuesday, in Ibadan, said the proposed collaboration  was part of measures considered important to make the election credible and acceptable.

Olagunju said the role of OYACA on election day will be strictly surveillance, close watch on those that might engage in vote buying and reporting culprits to the Commission for appropriate action.

On the readiness of all the registered political parties to participate in the election slated for 27th April, 2024, Olagunju explained that the development was as a result of their interest in the development of the state, which he said requires collective efforts.

Aare Olagunju advocated for a positive mindset and change of attitude among residents in elections participation for the state to witness monumental development,  particularly at the grassroots.

He  explained that it is necessary for all stakeholders in the business of election conduct to play their roles as expected to achieve a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

“ Five people or groups are involved in election conduct, and each must do the needful to have a credible election.

” The electoral umpire, that is, OYSIEC, is to make election materials available and be transparent. Political parties must follow due process, hold campaigns peacefully and orientate their followers on a good path to follow and do the same. Citizens and residents must change their orientation, they must not stay at home on election day and watch television but go to polling units to vote.

“Candidates should campaign peacefully without rancour and ensure their agents are fully on ground on the day of election.  Security agencies too must apprehend  anyone who is in conflict with the electoral rules and regulations before, during and after the day of election.They should hand  them over for prosecution, by this, other people will stay away from electoral offenses in the future.

“Adequate training will be given to ad-hoc staff. Our plan is to deploy successful applicants to where they reside, where they are known, and we believe it will be difficult for them to go against the laid down rules because they will be traced by their neighbours “

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Governance

OYACA remains a reference point for others – Justice Esan

By Web News 380

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Chairman of Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency, OYACA, Retired Justice Eni Esan has revealed that over 300 corruption cases have been investigated since the inception of the Agency in 2021.

Speaking during a chat with the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who paid her an official visit in her office, Justice Esan said the agency has made significant strides in investigating cases of corruption with 14 cases currently being tried.  

According to the OYACA chair, large sums of money have been recovered from politicians, contractors, and civil/public servants among others. 

She revealed that states like Kano, Kaduna Jigawa, Ondo, Lagos, and Cross River have come to understudy the anti-corruption blueprint of OYACA in a bid to intensify the fight against corruption in their respective states. 

She further revealed that the Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency‘s mandate is to promote ethical conduct, prevent corrupt practices, and protect public resources from mismanagement and embezzlement. 

“Corruption fighting begins with sensitization on prevention. The agency has initiated this process by educating traditional leaders, tertiary institutions in Oyo state, civil/public servants, Members of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in the campaign”

Justice Esan disclosed that Oyo State is determined to create a culture of transparency and accountability, where corruption is reduced to the barest minimum.

“While we are committed to zero tolerance for corruption, we also recognize the importance of due process and ensuring that individuals are given a fair opportunity to defend themselves against any allegations.” 

Justice Esan assured that all cases brought before the agency are treated with confidentiality.

Responding, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, appreciated the sensitive task of the agency and assured that the information ministry will periodically sensitize the public on the agency’s activities in line with the state government’s determination to rid the state of corruption.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Crime

OYACA Seeks Amendment of Law for Legal Autonomy to Prosecute

By Web News 634

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Chairman, Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency, OYACA, Retired Justice Eni Esan has disclosed that legislative and legal processes are ongoing to enable the agency to prosecute offenders.

She said this while responding to questions from journalists after a sensitization and advocacy programme for the 2024 Batch A, Stream One of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members at their permanent site in Iseyin on Friday.

Retired Justice Esan informed the reporters that OYACA had written to the Oyo State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Abiodun Aikomo for the amendment of the law that established the anti-corruption agency, for it to have the legal autonomy to prosecute.

The retired Justice added that has already gotten permission from the Attorney-General of the State to send OYACA’s legal officers to court for prosecution of its cases.

“Efforts are ongoing for the agency to get autonomy to prosecute offenders under the State’s anti-corruption laws, we have written to the Honorable Attorney General of the State to help us go through the process of amending the OYACA LAW, to give us the power to prosecute our matters.

“But right now, the Honorable Attorney General has given us permission to send our legal officers to court to prosecute OYACA cases, this will help in speeding up the legal process and we will be able to cover many cases after our usual investigations.”

In her address to the corps members, the OYACA Chairman harped on the effects of corruption on the local communities, the State and the nation at large, saying that the common vice was the cause of the entrenched poverty in Nigeria.

She called on them to join the force against graft in the State by speaking against it and reporting the same to the agency for investigation and prosecution of those involved.

“The citizens of most developing countries like Nigeria have continued to wallow in poverty, not because there are no deliberate government programmes to improve their standard of living, but because of sheer greed and selfishness of some individuals.

“Corruption and all related crimes should not be tolerated as the devastating effects of corruption can no longer be ignored, hence the fight against it must be taken as a personal challenge,” Eni Esan told the corps members.

The OYACA Chairman later led his team to inspect the new office of the agency at Iseyin which was under renovation and will be opened for use soon.

In his response, the State’s NYSC Coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel appreciated the intent of the State government to establish the anti-corruption agency, assuring OYACA that the corps members will be the advocates of anti-graft campaign at all the areas of the State where they will be posted.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Education

Speak out When Sexually Harassed, OYACA Tells Students

By Web News 359

Oluwakayode Banjo

Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) has called on the students of the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki to speak out whenever they see or experience any corrupt act or when sexually harassed by their lecturers.

The agency, which was established to investigate corruption acts by public officials, civil servants and contractors, has taken its sensitization campaign around government-owned agencies, Ministries as well as State-owned institutions of higher learning.

While speaking at the sensitization and advocacy campaign program at the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, the OYACA Chairman, Hon. Justice Eni Esan, said corruption has affected the socio-economic growth of Nigeria and the time to wipe it out has come.

She called on the students and staff members of the institution to be wary of corruptive tendencies that could affect their images negatively while charging the management of the institution to encourage probity in the finances.

She called on female and male students to contact the agency by writing to the OYACA head office at Ibadan, the local office at Saki or mail their complaints to the agency’s website for prompt attention.

“If you experience sexual assault from your lecturers or management of the institution, do not hesitate to contact us, you can go to our website to lodge complaints, we will take immediate action.

“We have an office here in Saki, so you won’t have to come all the way to Ibadan, you can lodge your complaints at our Saki office.”

In his speech, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Surveyor Ajibola Sikiru, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Eniola Philip appreciated the government of Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for deeming it fit to sensitize students and staff members about corruption and its adverse effects on the communities and the entire State. 

He said the establishment of the agency was timely, as the nation is going through socioeconomic challenges that were caused by the greed of the people.

He pledged the support of the entire staff members and students of the Polytechnic to OYACA, for the the growth of the State.

During the question and answer session, one a student of the institution, Peter Adekunle, urged the agency to establish an anti-corruption vanguard for the school, an idea that the Chairman of OYACA said was good, especially as such group has been founded in State higher institution like the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso (LAUTECH).

Among the members of the OYACA board that were at the event are Prince Oyebade Oyedepo fca, I.O Tijani, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs Folasade Ajibade who is the Director of ICT and the Director of Administration, Mr. Lere Omotoso.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Justice Esan Gets Second Term as OYACA Chairman

By Web News 631

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the reappointment of Justice Eni Esan as chairman of the board of Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA).

The governor also approved the reappointment of Mr Ehindero Olafola Lawrence, a Chief Superintendent of Police; Mrs Olopade Esther Afe, Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, Mr Temidayo Adebayo Ayorinde and Mr Ayobami Stephen Ashaolu as members.

Mr Ibrahim Oyemola Tijani will still serve as Secretary to the board of the agency.

These are contained in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

According to the letter, the appointments are with immediate effect.

The governor, while congratulating the chairman and members of the board, urged them to see their appointment as a call to serve the people of Oyo state.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Education

OYACA Chairman Wants Anti-Corruption Rules in Schools

By Web News 1714

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Chairman, Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Retired Justice Eni Esan, wants higher institutions in the state to put in place and implement anti-corruption rules and practices.

The retired Justice stated this during a sensitization and advocacy programme organized by OYACA for staff and students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora at the institution’s main hall.

Retired Justice Esan explained that students would thus imbibe the rules within and outside the school environments.

She said academic institutions were positioned to play key roles in preventing corruption as they educate future leaders and impart values of integrity through set examples.

The retired jurist pointed out that anti-corruption education was one of the most effective ways to increase public awareness and improve public attitudes towards corruption, saying that corruption is widespread in Nigeria because the majority has a poor understanding of how it could negatively impact the society.

“Anti-Corruption education is one of the most effective ways to increase public awareness and improve public attitudes towards corruption, one of the main reasons why corruption is so widespread is that most people have a poor understanding of what it means and how it can negatively impact society, by educating people about the causes and consequences of corruption, as well as preferring solutions for combating it, we can help to build a more informed and anti-corruption society.

“Academic institutions are uniquely positioned to play a key role in preventing corruption, not only do they educate future leaders, they also have a unique opportunity to impart the values of integrity through the examples they set by maintaining a high standard of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct.

“Therefore staff and students of higher institutions should abstain from unethical conducts such as sex for grades, admission racketeering, etc, by ensuring that all staff members are held to these standards, academic institutions can play an important role in creating an honest and transparent environment that discourages corruption and promotes trust among stakeholders.”

Justice Eni Esan advised students to work towards discouraging their parents from engaging in sharp practices, imbibe the values of integrity that will make them not engage in examination malpractices, and should report any corrupt practices they observe to OYACA.

Responding, the Provost of the College, Professor Akinola Akinlabi who was represented by the Registrar, Mr Rasheed Adeniji, appreciated OYACA for deeming it fit to extend the sensitization programme to the institution, while promising to imbibe the core values of morality teachings.

The Registrar pointed out that the College had imbibed precautionary steps to avoid corrupt practices by staff and students of the institution and hailed the Oyo State administration under Governor Seyi Makinde for establishing the agency.

Earlier, the OYACA team paid a visit to the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Ayinla, who was represented by the Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Jamiu Badmus, and members of the traditional council.

The monarch appreciated the Chairman of OYACA for the positive impacts that the agency’s activities have created in Oyo State and encouraged her to sustain the tempo of zero tolerance for corruption in and around the State.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp

News

OYACA ​ Uncovers Over 4 BN Fraud From Civil Servants

By Web News 663

Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) on Wednesday, announced that some serving and retired civil servants of the State have been arrested for fraudulent contract, awarded in 2018.

The fraud, according to a statement signed by the agency’s Chairman, Justice Eni Esan (retired) was said to have been perpetrated by the individuals at the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) and information about it concealed till the the State’s anti-graft agency discovered it.

According to the statement, the act involved payment of the sum of #4.8billion to the three private companies without delivering the project and the agency is now after the said companies since the case was established and the officers involved arrested.

The agency claimed it is after the said companies since the case has been established and the officers involved have been arrested for further investigation and prosecution by the State’s Attorney-General.

“Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) has nabbed some retired and serving top civil servants of Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) for complicity in a fraudulent contract awarded in 2018.

“OYACA was able to discover this fraud despite concealment by the affected top officials to thwart the investigation exercise, the fraud involved the payment of humongous amount of money in the sum of #4.8billion to three companies yet to show up for investigation in spite of our invitations.

“The agency is on the heels of the affected companies to recoup the money paid into their accounts in 2018 for supplies not made to date, while investigation is still ongoing, OYACA makes bold to say that the law is no respecter of persons and everyone who has any form of connection with the matter will be dealt with according to the law.

“We hereby reiterate our commitment to zero tolerance of corruption in the public service of Oyo State,” it affirmed.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Crime

Recruitment Scam: OYACA Investigates Civil Servant, Refers Case to AG

By Web News 585

The Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency, OYACA, acting in respect of petitions written by eleven residents of the state has intervened in a recruitment racket case where a senior civil servant at the State Hospital Management Board was accused of extorting monies from job seekers.

In a press release signed by the OYACA Chairman, Honourable Justice Eni Esan (Rtd) on Wednesday and made available to newsmen, the suspect, Mr Wahab Nasiru Olabanji, a senior civil servant was alleged to have extorted a huge sum of money from the job seekers during the 2021 recruitment exercise at the State Hospital Management Board.

“The said civil servant was apprehended by the OYACA and after investigation; the Agency was able to recover some of the money from him, which will soon be distributed to the victims of his fraudulent activities.”

Justice Eni Esan (Rtd) further hinted that the agency found that a prima facie case had been established against the said civil servant and the case file has been referred to the office of the Attorney General for prosecution in line with the provision of the OYACA LAW, 2019.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Subscribe to our Telegram Channel and join our Whatsapp Update Group

Crime News

OYACA Commissions Ibarapa Zonal Office, Intensifies Sensitization Campaign

By Web News 872

The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency OYACA has on Wednesday commissioned its Ibarapa Zonal office, which is located in Eruwa, Ibarapa East local government.

The zonal offices, among five of its kinds in the State will be a point of collection of petitions and complaints about corruption, fraud and administrative irregularities in the State and local government systems.

This was made known by the Chairman OYACA, Honourable Justice Eni Esan during the agency’s sensitisation campaign at Eruwa today.

Eni Esan emphasized that the essence of the location of the zonal offices is to give the People of Oyo State the opportunity to have access to administrative justice, which is free and fair and to nip in the bud all corrupt practices in the State.

She stated further that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has Zero tolerance for corruption and administrative practice.

“This is part of the state government’s activities to flush out all bad eggs in the State, in all spheres of Government sectors.

“The zonal offices, part of which is the one we are commissioning today is to bring nearer to the people, the opportunity to bring to the attention of OYACA, cases of corruption and administrative irregularities.”

The chairperson OYACA reinstated that there is no place for the Agency to be compromised in any way, as all the Management members of OYACA have been investigated thoroughly by the State Government before being inaugurated into the agency’s system.

She also said that OYACA works hand in hand with other Federal Government Anti-corruption Agency like ICPC, EFCC to share ideas on how to conduct investigations on complaints about corrupt practices.

The retired Justice urged the citizens of Oyo State to lay complaints of any act of corrupt practices as the complainants are protected under the law.

She went further to solicit the cooperation of the people of Ibarapa for the agency to achieve its goals, as activities will begin at office on Wednesday September 1st, 2021.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Ibarapa East local government, Honourable Gbenga Obalowo commended the present administration for initiating OYACA and various other programmes, especially to eradicate corruption in the State.

He stressed further that Governor Seyi Makinde has followed due process to put an end to the activities of the corrupt individuals.

Honourable Obalowo said that the people of Eruwa and Ibarapa respect the law and will cooperate with OYACA to move the State forward.

Kayode Banjo

Politics

I’ll appear before OYACA if petitioned – Gov Makinde

By Web News 812

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde wants residents of the state to take advantage of the state’s anti-corruption agency to report any civil or public officer demanding bribe or any form of gratification to render services.

He stated this while inaugurating the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) at the Agodi Government Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who warned against all forms of corrupt practices in the state maintained that the state must become a worthy reference across the country.

He said his administration remained committed to sanitizing the public and civil sector as well as curb all forms of systemic and institutionalized corruption.

The governor explained that the anti-corruption agency would function without being partial and reechoed his earlier stand to appear before the agency to answer questions on corrupt practices if petitioned.

In a remark, the Chairman of the agency, Justice Eni Esan Rtd, a former president of the State Customary Court of Appeal, assured that the agency would do it best to fulfil its mandate and assist the state government in sanitizing the public service. 

Other members of the State Anti-Corruption Agency are Barrister Temitope Ayorinde, Prince Oyebade Oyedapo, AS Asaolu, Esther Olapade, Ihindero Lawrence and Ibrahim Tijani as secretary of the agency.

Iyabo Adebisi