Osun government and Adeleke are at odds over assets and propaganda.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.

Yesterday, the Osun State government warned the state’s governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop attracting unnecessary attention by peddling lies.

Adeleke made the claim after claiming that political appointees of Governor Gboyega Oyetola had begun stealing and diverting government assets.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, the state government dismissed Adeleke’s claim as a figment of his imagination, claiming that Governor Oyetola has no history of pilfering.

“We have seen the press statement that is in circulation from the camp of Senator Ademola Adeleke, poisoning the public with lies and raising false alarms, just to heat up the polity of the state, as is their practice,” the statement, titled “Osun PDP’s Incurable Penchant for Falsehood, Propaganda,” reads.

“We did not take any N17 billion loan to prosecute the election, and no government official has engaged in any looting or diversion of any government assets/property, as the PDP claims.”

“Those who have suddenly realized the enormity of governing a state like Osun should admit their fears rather than making ridiculous accusations.” Oyetola has creatively managed the state’s assets over the last three and a half years, picking all bills without taking any loans. Why would he start taking out loans now?

“Oyetola’s government continues to be a responsible one that has discharged its duties meritoriously, much to the admiration of fellow governors, including those in opposition.”

“Rather than blaming everyone but himself for his fears, Mr. Adeleke should tell the people how he intends to govern them.” Given his admiration for his newly-learned expression, fact check, we challenge Mr. Adeleke to provide evidence of pilfering or looting to the people of Osun in order to demonstrate that he is a man whose words have atoms of believability.

“We urge the people of Osun to disregard the fake laments of incurable propagandists.” Governor Oyetola has done well so far and will continue to do the right thing for the people.”

The governor-elect claims that government assets were diverted.

“The attention of the office of the Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has been drawn to unwholesome criminal activities by some government functionaries and appointees under the watch of Governor Gboyega Oyetola directed towards pilfering of state assets, conversion of public assets into private ownership, illegal awards of licences, and incurring of superfluous loans and expenditure,” said Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

“We have information that Osun state assets within the state, Kogi, Lagos, Abuja, and beyond the country’s borders are being tampered with for private acquisition.” We have detailed reports on several properties that are currently being processed for ownership transfer involving serving commissioners and top government officials, so those involved in illegal deals should take note.

“New reports also indicate that several shady activities are taking place within the state finance ministry.” Aside from the alleged N17 billion loan taken by the Governor to prosecute the lost election, we have credible reports of emergency contract awards, hurried processing of payment vouchers, and a grand plan to incur additional debt under the guise of project implementation. There is a complex plan in the works to further bankrupt the state in order to complicate governance under the new administration.

“We want to use this medium to warn everyone involved in this criminal enterprise to stop their nefarious activities because we will hold everyone accountable for their actions.” Let the Governor and his team know that we have complete records and inventory of Osun state assets. We have records of what his predecessor handed over to the Governor, as well as the true state of Osun finance and properties. As a result, we warn that any attempt to divert state property or muddle Osun finances will be met with full accountability.

“We also want to make the public aware of this issue.” Let the public know that an administration they just voted out of office is tampering with our common patrimony. We promise to monitor this situation closely and ensure that Osun assets are secure and protected for the public’s benefit.”