ABUJA, Nigeria — A coalition of anti-corruption groups has called on the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to urgently investigate allegations of misappropriation of local government funds by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The coalition’s call comes in response to accusations leveled by the now-suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Council, Mr. Wale Adedayo.
Adedayo claims that Governor Abiodun has been diverting funds intended for local government areas in the state since 2021.
The allegations include mishandling of Ecological Funds, redirecting Federal Government Palliatives, and withholding statutory monthly allocations from the State, Joint Account Allocation Committee.
In a joint statement on Thursday, September 7, 2023, signed by representatives of several anti-corruption organizations, including HEDA Resource Centre, CHRICED, PRADIN, CISLAC, and ANEEJ, the coalition stated, “The case in Ogun State, by all parameters, is a vintage sample of how unscrupulous public officeholders rob society.”
The group emphasized that such alleged corruption adversely impacts infrastructural development, particularly in rural areas, and hinders economic progress.
“We call on the NFIU and the EFCC to swing into action and investigate these allegations. We are confident that if the culprits are brought to book, the country would benefit from a more transparent and equitable atmosphere necessary for sustainable development,” the statement read.
The coalition pointed out that these allegations are particularly damaging given the current administration’s focus on attracting foreign investment.
“Any corruption without requisite inquiries would be harmful to this policy direction,” the coalition warned.
They further noted that various reports have revealed troubling signs of financial impropriety within the Ogun State Treasury. They urged that these should not be treated lightly or seen as mere “party affairs.”
The statement concluded by reiterating the coalition’s confidence that “the heavens shall not fall” if a thorough investigation is conducted and justice is served, but rather it would reinforce transparency and accountability.
The call for an investigation places additional pressure on the already beleaguered administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun and raises further questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
