Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed the resolve of his administration to recover the resources of the state, looted by previous government. The decision, which he explained was not a ploy to witch hunt anyone, is intended to entrench the culture of transparency and accountable in governance.
Bello disclosed on Tuesday, September 19, while inaugurating the newly constituted a seven-member committee for the implementation of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry white paper from the committee set up last year to look into how the resources of the state were expended between May 2003 to January 2016.
The committee, which has a retired Major General Mobolaji Koleoso as Chairman, is expected to help track and recover all looted funds and assets of the state.
According to the Governor, his administration inherited a state that was lagging behind in critical infrastructures and transparency in governance, a development he blamed on years of failed leadership. Just as he reiterated his commitment to run a transparent and accountable system, with focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state, the governor noted that the idea to prove past government was to also serve as deterrent to those in his administration.
He pointed out that, “No responsible government would fold its alms and watch few individuals deprive the masses of their right to decent living as a result of corruption.”
The Governor said he feels emboldened by the successful onslaught of President Muhammadu Buhari in the war against the impunity of corruption in the country.
He charged the committee to be diligent and transparent in the discharge of their responsibility and urged them to see the task as a call to selfless service.
In his remark, Koleoso said the committee would ensure fairness and transparency in the discharge of its assignment, noting that he considers the responsibility as a privilege to serve God and humanity.
The committee which has Katun Sule as Secretary, has the following persons as members, State Auditor General, Yakubu Okala; Mariam Ladi Ibrahim; Kasim Suleiman; Director General, Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo; and Barrister Agada. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu, is to serve as legal counsel.