Prosecution Of Corruption Cases Not An Exclusive Preserve Of The Federal Government — Gov. Akeredolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has advocated that trials of corruption should not be the exclusive preserve of the federal government.

Mr Akeredolu, who spoke on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo state capital, said the contrary should fall under the State, especially where such cases occurred.

“The commission of certain offences is local. Corruption trials should not be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government. Stealing is also an offense against the State.

“Therefore, if an allegation of crime falls within the purview of the State’s criminal jurisdiction, it is proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offence is committed,” the governor added.

The governor spoke at the inauguration of members of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), the State Public Complaints, Financial Crime, and Anti-Corruption Commission including the Governing Council of State-owned tertiary Institutions.

Recall that Mr Akeredolu set up ODIEC, and in February approved the appointment of Joseph Igebekele as the new Chairman of the State Commission.

He also approved the reappointment of members of the commission among which are; Soji Omowole, Oladele Akinyelure, Adeleye Olatunde Adeniyi, Stella Omotoso, Rotimi Olorunfemi, and Ibraheem Tajudeen Ojo.

Their names were immediately forwarded to the State House of Assembly for clearance and confirmation.

Speaking further at the inauguration, Mr Akeredolu explained that since the commission of certain offences was local, it was proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offences are committed.

He said the establishment of the commission followed due process and was in line with claim that the current arrangement in the country is a federal system.

“This Commission is expected to combat crime, effectively. Intelligence gathering should commence from the execution of the State Budget passed into Law. It is basic. It is our hope that this body will be able to track budgetary allocations for the benefit of the people.

“All other engagements should focus on ensuring that the monies appropriated and released are utilised in the interest of the people,” Mr Akeredolu noted.

He added, “There are other matters ancillary to this basic function. Corruption, as a social vice, has a wide spectrum. The unwholesome activities of public servants must come under close scrutiny.

“There is, virtually, no area of public service that has not been infested with this virus. It is a shame that the State still battles to know the exact figure of those she owes obligations as workers.

“It is deplorable indeed that the government carries a heavy burden of salaries and emoluments of characters entirely unknown to the establishment. These elements join others to exact pressures on the government.

“It is our hope that not only will those behind this disgraceful act be exposed, they must also have their days in court,” the governor added.