Oyo ACN, Alao-Akala disagree over alleged last-minute looting

IS the outgoing admini-stration of Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala looting the treasury?

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alleged it is.

But Alao-Akala denied the allegation, describing it as frivolous.

In a statement by its Secretary, Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo State ACN said: "It is to the knowledge of the public that the out-going administration of Alao-Akala would go down in the history of Oyo State as the most corrupt ever, but events in the last few days have indicated that there is a grand plan to completely ground the state and ensure that the in-coming administration does not succeed, even as the governor-elect, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has indicated his resolve to fix the state socially, economically and politically in no time.

"Our party has been inundated with various reports of illegal withdrawals from state accounts, diversion of fertiliser stock, conversion of public properties to private assets, increased sponsorship of foreign trips for political office holders and "cooperating" career officers, among other illegal activities capable of milking the state dry.

"We call on relevant officials of the state, principal staff of commercial banks and other financial institutions to steer clear of any questionable order or arrangement aimed at stealing public funds further, as culprits and their accomplices shall be made to face the full wrath of the law sooner than expected."

Denying the allegation in a statement by his spokesman, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Alao-Akala said: "The allegations are frivolous and baseless. Why is the ACN fretting over illegal withdrawal of funds while it is quiet about various daily deposits into government accounts? This government will run and perform its duties till May 28.

"On the issue of fertilisers, ACN dwelled on half information. Government attention was called to a fertiliser purchase that had not been paid for. Government has ensured that a balance of N8 million will be paid to its coffers by Wednesday and 248 bags returned to the government’s warehouse.