The decision by the immediate past Governor of Osun state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to approve the release of vehicles to public officials that had served under him was within the law and this was also done in line with what had become a convention.
Oyetola’s media aide, Mr Ismail Omipidan in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Sunday noted that ‘there is an existing law in the state which was duly passed by the state House of Assembly, and had supported the decision taken in respect of the vehicles the governor, his deputy and other public officials had used while in office , he added that the former governor was guided by the existing law in question.
He further said that contrary to the claim by the Osun state government, Oyetola is not in possession of 11 vehicles, insisting that the vehicles he left with were not only properly documented but also had such done in line with the extant law and best practices.
Omipidan also noted that like his previous statements, the press statement issued by the Osun state governor’s spokesman on the alleged carting away of government vehicles were full of lies and misinformation, deliberately put together to unfairly malign his principal.
He wondered how the government came about the value of N2.9 billion as total worth of the ‘used’ vehicles, insisting that the amount is unrealistic, misleading and false, submitting that it cannot represent the true value of the said vehicles.
‘ Actually, several of the vehicles they alleged were carted away are still in the possession of the State Government as at today.
For instance, the vehicles listed against Amotekun were the same vehicles being used under the current administration. Yet, they said they are looking for the same vehicles. Three of the vehicles they claimed are with the former deputy governor are already being used by the current deputy governor.
The used vehicles that were approved for release to all the public officials who were statutorily entitled to such were done in accordance with the law, convention and practice as was done by past administrations. This kind gesture is usually done to appreciate the public officials for serving the state meritoriously since they are not entitled to pension and gratuity.
Therefore, releasing the vehicles is a discretionary power within the governor’s executive power.
The current deputy governor, the SSG, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye and the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye were all beneficiaries of a similar kind gesture in the past as they left with their official vehicles after serving as chairmen of their respective councils under the PDP administration. This kind gesture is enjoyed by both the judicial and the legislative arms of government as well.
Having said all that, I will implore the governor to take his time to study the handover notes and acquaint himself with past records of what happened during administrations before that of Oyetola, so as to be guided appropriately’ the statement added- Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
