Ogun State Assembly Summons Former Commissioner Over Financial Infractions

The Ogun State House of Assembly has summoned the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, to clarify financial infractions outlined in the 2021 and 2022 audit reports of the ministry.

Mr. Damilare Bello, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption, issued the directive while considering the ministry’s auditor’s reports for the specified years. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, presented the reports.

In addition to summoning Odusile, the Assembly also called upon a former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abiodun Awere, and the Director of Finance and Accounts who served in the Ministry during the period under review.

The summoned officials are expected to appear before the committee on February 29 at 1 pm to provide further information on various infractions, including the disbursement of N92.9 million from the governor’s contingency fund to supplement ministry expenditures.

The committee highlighted concerns regarding the transfer of N2.51 million to individual accounts, specifically to the personal account of Mr. Ojo Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Media to the governor. This transfer was purportedly for the purchase of working tools for the government’s New Media Team, which was deemed a breach of due process and financial regulations.

Furthermore, the Director of Finance and Accounts was directed to furnish the committee with the Ministry’s up-to-date fixed asset register and provide details on cash inflows and outflows.

In response, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, assured the committee that measures had been taken to address the issues raised in the audit reports. He pledged the ministry’s commitment to complying with all directives to enhance accountability and transparency in its operations.