Observers following the inglorious drama currently unfolding within the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) are sharply divided over the conflicting information emanating from the Commission.
OSOPADEC was established as an intervention agency to address and mitigate the challenges confronting citizens in its mandate areas, yet it now finds itself at the centre of controversy.
A critical question being asked is whether it is truly possible for the Secretary of the Commission to have single-handedly moved a whopping sum of ₦400 million from the Commission’s account.
Equally troubling is why the Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, waited until allegations emerged that he withdrew ₦90 million from the Commission’s account before raising the ₦400 million claim.
It is alleged that the Chairman fraudulently presented a forged document in the name of the Board to effect an illegal change of the bank mandate, without the knowledge of the Secretary, who is the statutory Accounting Officer of the Commission.
Staff members alleged to be accomplices were reportedly issued queries in connection with the matter.
However, instead of responding to these queries, the Chairman and the affected individuals allegedly resorted to blackmail in an attempt to intimidate and suppress those who have continued to uphold accountability and protect resources belonging to the government and the people.
The good people of Ondo State are therefore demanding a clear response from Prince Poroye on how he succeeded in changing the bank account signatories, and whether it is standard practice to remove the Secretary, who is the Accounting Officer of OSOPADEC, from the bank mandate.
