My Sole Ambition as Governor is Selfless Service, Says Governor Adeleke

By Richard Akintade, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again restated his commitment to transparency in governance and project implementation.

The Governor stated this while hosting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu in the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo.

The ICPC Chairman led other management teams of the anti corruption agency to Osun State for the strategic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on project monitoring and evaluation.

Senator Adeleke disclosed that his government has zero tolerance for corruption as it implements the ongoing multi-billion naira infrastructure agenda.

While stating that many friends and foes challenged his government on how he would get funding, Senator Adeleke said his administration decided to implement the agenda through financial discipline and blocking of revenue leakages.

“Our Government rolled out several initiatives which include the creation of a project account, blocking off all leakages in revenue generation, increment in the internally generated revenue, reducing the overhead cost and deliberately saving from government earnings”, the Governor stated.

Senator Adeleke explained that the projects are ongoing in line with specifications and are being strictly supervised by professionals.

“As infraplan is being implemented in phases, the first phase has reached an advanced stage. Our Government has turned Osun into a huge construction site with all the senatorial districts and local government areas benefiting”.

While assuring the ICPC Chairman that his “sole ambition as the Governor of Osun State is selfless public service, he declared that his team is giving back to the society by ensuring judicious application of public funds and resources”.

“During the inauguration of my cabinet, I told those with the corrupt mindset to opt-out. We are enforcing a rigorous vetting in the financial approval process” the Governor disclosed.

“Our Government is partnering with ICPC to deepen good governance in terms of anti-corruption protocols”, the Governor told the visiting ICPC team.

Earlier in his address, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu said he was in the state for a significant event, marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Osun State Government.

According to him, “This collaboration embodies our collective resolve to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability in Osun State.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ademola Adeleke, for his unwavering support and commitment to making this event a reality, commending the display of political will in the anti-corruption crusade.

He spoke further: “The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Article 5(2) mandates that “Each state party shall endeavor to establish and promote effective practices aimed at the prevention of corruption.” Similarly, the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) enshrines the principle that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” These foundational texts provide a clear directive: corruption in any form must be eradicated for our nation to thrive.

“Section 6 (b-f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act empowers our Commission to undertake a comprehensive range of activities. We are tasked with evaluating and reviewing public bodies’ practices, systems, and procedures to identify and mitigate fraud or corruption. We instruct, advise, and assist officers, agencies, and parastatals in combating these issues.

“We recommend necessary changes to reduce bribery and corruption, educate the public on related offenses, and garner public support in this vital fight. These provisions have been affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of the Attorney General of Ondo State v Attorney General of the Federation and Others, reinforcing our mandate.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward.

“Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State.

“As the Chairman of the ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government. Our collaboration with the Osun State Government is a testament to this belief. Together, we will galvanize support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption. This also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for “improved governance for effective service delivery.”

“In conclusion, let us remember that our success in combating corruption is not merely for the present generation but also the future of our beloved nation. By working together, we can create a society where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the norms. I am confident that we will achieve our goals with the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved”, he noted.

The Highlight of the event was the signing of the memorandum between the State government and the ICPC.

Present at the signing were the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Commissioners, Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries and officials of ministry of justice among others.