2nd August, 2011
The government of Ogun state today issued a 48-hour ultimatum to past government officials who are still in possession of government properties, including houses and vehicles to return them or face the wrath of the law.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu while briefing newsmen today on the outcome of the State Executive council meeting, said that the decision was arrived at,having given enough time to the affected past officials to return or hand over the properties after about two months of leaving office.
He disclosed that the implication of not relinquishing those items, “is that some of them might be using them to carry out activities inimical to the present administration. We are afraid that they may be using them illegally. The executive council meeting therefore resolved that enough time has been given and government is therefore giving them a 48-hour ultimatum to hand them over to the appropriate quarters for proper documentation.â€
Olaniyonu said that some of the past officials, “are even with some government plate numbers and you and I can imagine the implication of this on this administration. We have been trying to be magnanimous and not to be seen as government bullying anybody, but we cannot continue this way.
“We have been trying to get them. But some of them do sneak in and out to evade the recovery team. But we have to be decisive and the next line of action would be determined by the response to the ultimatum which expires tomorrow.”
The Commissioner stated that a committee for the recovery of the properties had been set up and it has the state commissioner for Housing, Chief Falilu Sabitu as Chairman.
Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Muyiwa Oladipo; Tourism/Culture, Chief Olu Odeyemi and Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Dr. Olumide Ayeni.
It also include four Permanent Secretaries.
Meanwhile,the state executive council has approved the composition of the State Economic team and they comprise of the State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Folakemi Adeosun, Arc. Lekan Adegbite (Works), Mrs Yewande Muoyo (Budget& Planning), Otunba Abimbola Ashiru (Commerce/ Industry).
The Committee will be headed by the Special Adviser on Economic Matters to the governor, Mr Rotimi Adewunmi.
By Abiodun Onafuyeg/Abeokuta