Oyo State government has given an assurance that it will continue to collaborate with relevant anti-graft agencies to fight corruption in the state.
Acting governor of the state, Alhaji Bayo Lawal, stated this in Tuesday while receiving the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), at the Governor’s Office.
He said the state government established the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), headed by Justice Eni Esan (rtd), to reduce corruption in the state’s Civil/Public Service.
The acting governor therefore called for collaboration between the ICPC and OYACA, the state anti-corruption agency.
The ICPC chairman had paid a condolence visit to the state government on the demise of the former chairman of the Commission, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd.), who passed on recently, aged 90 years.
Barrister Lawal described the late jurist, the first person to head ICPC, as an outstanding indigene of the state and a jurist of international repute.
He said the late Justice Ayoola contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country and the Commission through dedication, hard work, uncompromised integrity and ability to act and stand for the truth in the interest of justice.
Lawal said: “We really appreciate you for your thoughtfulness to pay this kind of condolence visit to Oyo State on the demise of our outstanding indigene.
“The late Justice Emmanuel Ayoola was somebody who contributed immensely to the Judiciary in Nigeria. We appreciate his contribution to the growth and development of Judiciary in Nigeria.
“He served in various capacities, rising from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and he retired meritoriously.
“When he retired, we said he should go and rest but Nigeria decided to invite him again to continue to serve. The mantle of leadership of ICPC was given to him.
“When you are talking of integrity and commitment, he stood out. As you said in your short remarks, Justice Ayoola (rtd) and a few people laid the solid foundation on which subsequent leaderships of the Commission would continue to operate on.
“I have to congratulate you [the ICPC chairman] as well. We have no doubt in your capacity.
“Let me also inform you that this administration decided to establish the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA). We have complementary efforts in OYACA, ICPC and can collaborate and work together.
“These are establishments that are meant to rid our society of corruption and I think, moving forward, the results are coming out, especially those in government establishments.
“As a government, we are open and ready to collaborate with your Commission to assist in whichever way you may deem fit.”
Earlier in his speech, the ICPC chairman, Aliyu (SAN), condoled with the government and the people of Oyo State on the death of Justice Ayoola.
He said the former ICPC chairman laid a solid foundation for the Commission and contributed to the issues of human rights and other related matters.
Dr Aliyu said Justice Ayoola will always be remembered for his brilliance, principles and discipline. He assured that the Commission will continue to emulate his good deeds and uphold justice for the people and the society at large.
In attendance during the visit were the state Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Biodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd).
Also in attendance were the Secretary, ICPC, Mr Clifford Oparaodu Esq and the Oyo State ICPC Commissioner, Mr Lucky Erewa, among others.
