Governor Adeleke Pledges Selfless Service In Osun, Signs MoU With ICPC

Nafisat Arogundade

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his commitment to selfless public service, as he signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing integrity and accountability in the state.

The State Government and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday at the Government House in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

In his reception speech, Adeleke highlighted his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and the significant strides made in the state multi-billion-naira infrastructure agenda.

He assured the ICPC Chairman and his team of his dedication to judiciously apply public funds as he reaffirmed his commitment to good governance and the fight against corruption..

According to him,”Mr Chairman, permit me to inform you and your team that my sole ambition in this governorship is selfless public service. As God has blessed me and my family before attaining this office, we are giving back to the people by ensuring judicious application of public funds and resources. During the inauguration of my cabinet, I openly warned those with a corrupt mindset should opt out before it is too late. We apply rigorous vetting in the financial approval process. We ensure enforcement of the procurement laws without fear or favour.

“Our government is therefore elated to partner with the ICPC to further deepen good governance especially in term of anti-corruption protocols. The anti-corruption agencies have delicate assignments which demand the support and cooperation of those holding top government offices. Our government is today demonstrating this political will by entering into partnership with the ICPC on project monitoring and evaluation.

Earlier in his speech, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, emphasized the significance of the partnership in the fight against corruption.

He highlighted the collective responsibility to foster a culture of integrity, drawing attention to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Nigerian Constitution, both of which mandate the eradication of corrupt practices.

Aliyu praised Governor Adeleke for his steadfast support and commitment to the initiative, noting that the MoU marks a crucial step in their collaborative efforts.

He said, “the United Nations Convention against Corruption
(UNCAC) in Article 5(2) mandates that “Each state party shall endeavour to establish and promote effective practices aimed at the prevention of corruption.

” Similarly, the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) enshrines the principle that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” These foundational texts provide a clear directive: corruption in any form must be eradicated for our nation to thrive.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward.Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State.”