Another batch of vehicles worth N1.5bn carted away by ex–appointees of Oyetola, says recovery panel

 

The asset recovery committee set up by the administration of Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, says another batch of 55 vehicles worth N1.5 billion were carted away by officials of the previous administration.

 

Toyota Hilux, Prado Jeeps, Toyota Avensis, Nissan Pathfinder Jeeps, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Transit are some of the vehicles said to be missing.

 

The claim is coming about a day after the committee said Gboyega Oyetola, former governor of Osun, and his appointees took away vehicles worth N2.9 billion.

 

Citing “tradition” as an excuse, the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC), said Oyetola and his appointees were entitled to privileges that allowed them to take the cars.

 

In a directive, B.T Salami, chairman of the asset recovery panel, said those in possession of the vehicles should return them.

 

“We have uncovered another batch of diverted vehicles numbering 55,” the directive issued by Salami read.

 

“Those in possession of those vehicles should return them forthwith.”

 

In reaction to the claim by the panel, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, said it was unacceptable for state resources to be converted for private use.

 

“It is embarrassing reading the opposition citing a fake law when in reality there is no state or federal law that supports such a brazen act of diversion,” the party said.

 

“By openly admitting such diversion of public properties to private use, the ex-officials are culpable before the law.

 

“We submit that a tradition of ex-officials going away with their official vehicles is a corruption-ridden custom which is not known before the law.

 

 “Using a supposed tradition to divert almost N4 billion vehicles for private use is reprehensible and unacceptable.”