Gov. Seyi Makinde on Tuesday inaugurated the Oyo Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) to curb fraudulent conduct in the state public service.
Recall that Makinde, upon assumption of office in 2019, said that the state under his watch would establish its own anti-corruption agency to ensure probity, accountability and good governance.
The governor signed the state’s Anti Corruption Bill into law on Dec.12, 2019, after its passage by the state House of Assembly.
During the inauguration of OYACA in Ibadan, Makinde said that the law was primarily directed at sanitising the public civil service.
According to him, the law will ensure that public and civil servants at the state and local government levels carry out their responsibilities without institutionalised corruption.
He said that institutionalised corruption could kill a nation if not checked, adding that the inauguration of OYACA would guard the resources of the state.
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”The inauguration is sending out a clear message that the state has zero-tolerance for corruption.
“So any person elected, employed or engaged in any capacity in Oyo State public or civil service who accept or promises to accept money, gifts or any other rewards for rendering service to the public will be investigated and be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“It will no longer be business as usual, public and civil servants are called to serve, not to steal,” the governor said.
Makinde urged the OYACA team, whom he described as men and women of integrity, to ensure that all matters brought before them are judiciously handled.
He said that the establishment of OYACA was not meant to witch-hunt anyone, noting that corruption and underdevelopment had no political leanings.
He said that the anti-corruption agency was beyond politics or political interest.
The governor reiterated his readiness to waive his immunity and face any corrupt charge if he committed any infraction of the law.
Justice Eni Esan, a retired justice of the state Customary Court of Appeal, was appointed chairman of the agency, while Oyemola Tijani was made the Secretary.
Other members are Oyebade Oyedepo, Temitayo Ayorinde, Esther Olapade, A.S Asaolu(DSS) and Lawrence Ehindero(Police)
Esan, who fielded questions from journalists after the inauguration, promised that OYACA would use quality strategy to curb corruption in the state.