Joint Account Allocation Committee faults fund diversion allegation

The Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) has informed that allegation against the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun   of fund diversion was untrue, adding that every fund approved by the committee consisting of stakeholders passed through the various Local Government Council Accounts.

Penpushing reports that members of the committee led by the Accountant General, Mr. Tunde Aregbesola made the clarification when appeared before the Ogun State House of Assembly on the enquiry over the allegation of fund diversion

The other members include Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, State Chairman, Association of Local Government Chairmen and Chairman, Ijebu Ode Local Government Council, Tunde Emiola Gazal, Chairman, Association of Local Government Pensioners, Pastor Benedict Ademoye and representatives of Stae Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) among others.

Penpushing further reports that the committee explained that the process of fund administration for Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) always takes place monthly at a meeting which included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and his Permanent Secretary.

The committee added that others are the 20 Local Government Chairmen, Commissioner for Finance, State Accountant General, President and Secretary of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), representatives of traditional councils in the State, Local Government Service Commission, Bureau of Local Government pension and representatives of Local Government Pensioners amongst others.

Penpushing also reports that the members added that it was at the meeting that all first line charges including Primary School Teachers’ salaries, Local Government Pension, traditional council, leave bonus and check-off dues of labour unions are aggregated among Local Government Chairmen and payment made.

The committee members emphasized that, there were instances when the Ogun State Government had to augment shortfall to allow all the Local Government Council take care of all their first line charges.

Penpushing reports that, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Olakunle Oluomo in his response clarified that the Evidence Act did not allow for response to speculations, pointing out that the assembly was yet to receive formal petition from any quarters in respect of the allegations.

The Speaker assured that when such petition was received, the assembly would act on it immediately, urging the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) team to provide all relevant documents in respect of their presentation to the assembly for further legislative action.

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