By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, has assured that the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde will continue to collaborate with relevant anti-graft agencies to fight corruption practices in the state.
The Acting Governor stated this on Tuesday while receiving the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), who paid a condolence visit to the state government on the demise of the former chairman of the Commission, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd).
Justice Ayoola passed on recently aged 90 years.
Barrister Lawal described the late jurist, who was one of the earliest to head ICPC, as an outstanding indigene of the state and a jurist of international repute.
He noted that the late Ayoola contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country and the commission through his dedication, hard work, uncompromised integrity and ability to act and stand for the truth in the interest of justice.
He added that the Oyo State government has also established the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) headed by Honourable Justice Eni Esan (rtd) to reduce corruption in the state’s Civil/Public Service.
He called for collaboration between ICPC and the state’s anti-corruption agency.
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; somebody who contributed immensely to the Judiciary in Nigeria.
“We appreciate his contribution to the growth and development of Judiciary in Nigeria.
“He had served in various capacities, rising from the High Court to 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 as well. We have no doubt in your capacity.
“Let me also inform you that this administration decided to establish 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, saying the ex-ICPC chairman laid a solid foundation for the Commission and contributed to the issues of human rights and other related matters.
Dr Aliyu said that Justice Ayoola will always be remembered for his brilliance, principles and discipline, assuring that the Commission will continue to emulate his good deeds and uphold justice for the people and the society at large.
In attendance at the courtesy visit were the 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.
