Former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola has enjoined the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke to study his handover notes and past records of the state.
In a statement by his media aide, Ismail Omipidan, he noted that the approval of the release of vehicles to public officials who served in his administration is in accordance with the law and convention as there is an existing law in the State duly passed by the State House of Assembly to back it.
Oyetola posited that the statement on alleged carting away of government vehicles were full of lies and misinformation wondering how they came about N2.9 billion as the total worth.
“Besides, several of the vehicles they alleged were carted away are still in the possession of the State Government as at today.
“For instance, the vehicles listed against Amotekun were the same vehicles being used in the current administration. Yet, they said they are looking for the same vehicles. Three of the vehicles they claim are with the former deputy governor are already being used by the current deputy governor.
“The used vehicles that were approved for release to all the public officials who were statutorily entitled were done in accordance with the law, convention and practice as was done by past administrations. The gesture is usually done to appreciate these public officials for serving the State meritoriously since they are not entitled to pension and gratuity.
“Therefore, releasing the vehicles is a discretionary power within the governor’s executive power.
“The current deputy governor, the SSG, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye and the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kasim Akinleye were all beneficiaries of similar gesture in the past as they left with their used vehicles when they served as chairmen of their various councils under the PDP administration. This gesture is enjoyed by both the judicial and the legislative arms of government as well.
“Having said all that, I will implore the governor to take his time to study the handover notes and acquaint himself with past records of happenings of administrations before that of Oyetola, so as to be guided appropriately,” he stated.
The current administration has however, threatened to invoke criminal law if the the vehicles are not returned in 48 hours.
The State Government stated that there is no law in Osun state that empowers a Governor or his appointees to go away with government vehicles, challenging Oyetola’s team to cite the name and date of enactment of the law.
The Spokesperson of the Governor, Olawale Rasheed hinted that the law provides possibility of auctioning of public properties if need arises for such and it must pass through due process with application of auctioning regulations and procedures.
“In this case, there was no auctioning of those vehicles. No tender payment, bidding and opening exercises. Without any legal foundation, vehicles cumulatively worth about N3.5 billion were shared out.
“Citing of non-existing law is embarrassing to those affected and the State as a whole. How can learned people be relying on such an illegal foundation instead of immediately returning government vehicles to the pool without further delay?
“As thing stands, the only law that will apply now except the vehicles are returned, relates to criminal theft of public properties and this will be invoked in the next forty eight (48) hours.
“Past officials have admitted bolting away with government vehicles. We have detailed records of all missing vehicles and which official is holding them. The Asset Recovery Committee will launch out on re-possession and retrieval exercise in line with stipulations of the law,” he said.
