By: Oluwatosin Adesola
The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-corruption Commission (SPFAAC) has received 36 petitions and complaints, between March, this year till date, on issues related to corruption.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the Commission’s Chairman, Justice Williams Akintoroye (Rtd.), said the cases involved both written petitions and oral complaints.
Two of the cases are against government institutions, not the government itself.
Akintoroye flanked by the Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, emphasized that no complaint would be ignored or disregarded, regardless of its size.
While many of the cases are still under investigation and have a criminal nature, the Commission has completed 75 percent of the investigation process.
There is a possibility that some cases may be referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.
Akintoroye noted that the Commission’s investigation process is discreet to ensure thorough results, with 18 key matters divided into two groups, the first of which has been completed.
He highlighted the need for more public cooperation, as the reluctance of some individuals to provide necessary evidence has hindered investigations.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continued support of the Commission.
However, he called for additional resources, including office expansion, vehicles, and staff, to enhance its effectiveness.
“We have some people that are working to support us. They are working, and we are having good results.
“But we want to assure you that no matter your complaint or petition, nothing will be swept under the carpet.
“No matter how small or big a matter or an issue, once it gets to us here, we do our best to investigate.
“If we have any reason to proceed, after the investigation, we’ll continue without minding whose ox is gored. So that’s the assurance that we have,” he promised.
On the legality of the commission, the chairman noted that the state has power given by the constitution to set up the type of commission.
He expressed confidence in the commission to get rid of corrupt practices in the state and serve as an arbiter in ensuring peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.
Akintoroye asked members of public to cooperate with the commission by giving useful evidence that would ensure proper and adequate investigation on complaints and petitions before the commission.
“Like the issue of manpower, like I said is one of our challenges. Then, too, the issue of unwillingness of some people, because it’s one thing to lodge a complaint; It’s another thing to stand by it and defend it,” he said.
The Chairman, therefore, appreciated the state governor , Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his magnanimity that had uplifted the commission’, asking for more intervention of the state government.
“We cannot but mention and appreciate Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He has been so magnanimous. He has supported us, at least with vehicles,and some other things .
“So like Oliver Twist, we still need more.Because if you look at the environment now, we have just three bedroom here, three. The space is not there. The space is not there at all.
“So we still want to appeal to the government. Whatever that is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
“We need space, we need comfortable office accommodation. We need vehicles. Then also, we need more hands,” Akintoroye said.
The Commission has engaged with similar anti-corruption agencies in Oyo State Anti-corruption Agency (OYACA) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for collaboration and learning.
