The EFCC received the petition from a civil society organisation, the Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative (KTAI), which called for probe into "instances of financial misconduct, lack of accountability, and alleged corruption" involving the public officials.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has received a petition to investigate Mr. Baba Okanla, the Chairman of Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), and the General Manager of Kwara State Social Investment Program (KWASSIP), Dr. Tejidini Olayinka, for alleged financial misconduct and corruption.
The EFCC received the petition from a civil society organisation, the Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative (KTAI), which called for probe into "instances of financial misconduct, lack of accountability, and alleged corruption" involving the public officials.
The organisation in the petition signed by its Executive Director, Nurudeen Adebayo, and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, stated that KWASSIP under Olayinka’s leadership secured the sum of N12.6 billion from the Kwara State treasury for 2024 fiscal year.
“However, there has been a complete lack of transparency and accountability in the disbursement and administration of these funds.
“To date, no verifiable list of beneficiaries has been made public, despite repeated calls for transparency. The refusal to disclose such information strongly indicates potential fraud within the agency.
“Instead of alleviating poverty as intended, the lack of accountability in the utilisation of these funds has heightened public suspicion of the agency's operations,” Adebayo alleged.
The second key official involved in the alleged corruption and financial misconduct is Okanla, the Chairman of Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC).
The KTAI boss said that KWASIEC under Okanla received the sum of N1.6 billion to conduct local government elections in Kwara State.
“However, the election was marred by a shortage of materials and manpower, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.
“The poor execution of the electoral process raises questions about the utilization of the allocated funds and suggests financial mismanagement.”
Adebayo therefore said that the failure of Olayinka and Okanla to act with accountability undermines the Nigerian government’s efforts to tackle corruption and alleviate poverty.
He said, “Agencies like KWASSIP and KWASIEC, instead of being instruments of development, have become conduits for siphoning public funds, resulting in worsening hunger, frustration, and disenfranchisement among citizens.”
Adebayo asked EFCC to, “Investigate the N12.6 billion KWASSIP funds for 2024, focusing on the absence of a beneficiary list and public accountability mechanisms.
“Investigate the N1.6 billion received by KWASIEC, probing into the substandard election process and possible mismanagement of funds.
“Arrest and prosecute the heads of these agencies if found culpable, to restore public confidence and serve as a deterrent to other public officers.”
He added, “We have chosen to direct this petition to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja rather than the Zonal Office in Ilorin due to our concerns about the growing alliance between the Executive Governor of Kwara State and the Ilorin Zonal Office of the EFCC.
“This perceived relationship raises the suspicion of potential collusion, which could compromise any local investigation.
“These officials do not enjoy immunity and should therefore be held accountable for their actions.
“We urge the EFCC Headquarters to intervene decisively, as Kwara State is presently enduring what appears to be the most corrupt administration in its history, allegedly under the supervision of the state governor.
“This petition represents the collective voice of Kwarans who believe in your office's mandate to uphold justice and combat corruption. We trust in your impartiality and commitment to serving Nigeria.”