Inside Nigeria
Ajulo Raises Alarm Over Govt Property with Akeredolu’s Appointees, 1 Year After Transition
...Decries 'attempts to blackmail' Aiyedatiwa
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, has alerted the public about what he termed as the “alarming state of public assets.”
Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while reviewing the past one year under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lamented that a year after the untimely passing of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a significant portion of the state’s assets have been unlawfully transferred into private hands.
He denounced the development, saying “it is completely unacceptable”, calling for what he described as “a united stand against the misappropriation of public resources.”
“As Attorney General,” he continued, “this is wrong. We cannot continue on this path.
”Referencing allegations of persons forging signatures to facilitate dubious transactions before Akeredolu’s death, he stressed the urgent need for transparency and accountability..
Speaking on his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Law Officer of Ondo State, Ajulo declared: “I must ensure that Ondo State operates within the framework of our constitution and laws. Our law enforcement and regulatory agencies must be fully accountable.”
He also expressed concern over alleged attempts to withhold crucial information from his principal, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“Efforts to silence inquiries through blackmail and baseless accusations against the Governor and some of his Commissioners would not be tolerated,” the Attorney General said firmly.
“Only the guilty should fear,” he said.
Dr. Ajulo noted the resistance encountered when questions are raised, saying: “Some vested interests have resorted to blackmail, alleging that Governor Aiyedatiwa was tarnishing the memory of the late Governor Akeredolu and attacking his nuclear and political family.”
“But how? When? Where?” Ajulo asked. “Some of these individuals have resorted to media attacks, yet, they fail to explain why they continuously react without provocation.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu, Dr. Ajulo remarked that: “Arakunrin Akeredolu that I knew would never have allowed state funds to be exploited like this.”
He urged “those involved in the misappropriation of assets to come forward or face the full force of the law.”
Ajulo commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership over the past year, noting his pragmatic approach and visionary leadership.
Ajulo said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment “lays a solid foundation for advancing infrastructure and upholding the rule of law,” and emphasized that his (Aiyedatiwa’s) initiatives honour Akeredolu’s legacy, reinforcing a commitment to fairness and justice.
Looking ahead, the Attorney General proposed a comprehensive audit of the state’s assets.with the sole aim of restoring accountability and due process, as well as ensuring that public resources are effectively used for the benefit of the good citizens of Ondo State.