Monday’s inauguration of a judicial commission set up by Governor Ayodele Fayose to probe the immediate past administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi has been described as an exercise in futility.
Reacting to the eight-man probe panel set up to try him, Fayemi, currently the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, said Fayose was only wasting his time.
In the reaction issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi said the governor’s action was at variance with the laws of the land, “which makes it subjudice for anyone to entertain a matter that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction.”
He noted that Governor Fayose’s decision to go ahead with the inauguration of the panel, while two cases arising from the planned probe were still pending in court was presumptuous and ill-advised.
“It is obvious Governor Fayose is desperate to probe the administration of his predecessor in office, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for personal vendetta. Yet, he is advised to be guided by the rule of law and decency in this wild goose chase.
“The governor and members of the panel are reminded that the two cases involving the House of Assembly, its leadership and top officials of the present administration are still pending in an Abuja High Court and a Federal High Court in Ado, thus making it an act of illegality for another panel to look into the matter.
“The governor is advised to concentrate on the serious task of governance and refrain from shadow chasing which the current pursuit of personal vendetta through a kangaroo committee clearly represents, Oyebode, the minister’s aide had stated.
At about 10:am on Monday, Fayose, had set up a panel to probe Fayemi, his predecessor.
The panel, which was inaugurated in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, has three months to submit its report.
It is headed by Bamidele Oyewole, a retired high court judge.
The Ekiti State House of Assembly had earlier asked the governor to investigate alleged financial misappropriation under Fayemi.
“In compliance with the resolution of the Ekiti State House of Assembly passed on the10th of May, 2017, urging His Excellency, the Governor of Ekiti State to look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State under the administration of Dr John Kayode Fayemi, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ayodele Fayose, acting pursuant to section 2 of the Ekiti State Commission of Inquiry law, cap C10 laws of Ekiti State 2012, has constituted a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014.
“The terms of reference of the commission are as follows:
“To ascertain how much Ekiti State Government received as statutory allocations during the period under review and how same were disbursed.
“To look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014.
“To ascertain the amount received on behalf of the state from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
“To investigate the allegation of fraud/loss of funds, including the diversion and conversion of the State Universal Basic Education Board Fund.
“To ascertain the amount the Ekiti State Government took as loans during the period under review and how they were utilised and all other issues relating to the finances of the Ekiti State Government within the period under review and;
“To make appropriate recommendations to the Ekiti State Government.
“The judicial commission of inquiry has three (3) months to submit its report to the governor,” the Assembly had stated.
The members of the panel are:
Silas Bamidele Oyewole – Chairman.
Gbemiga Adaramola (State DPP/ Chairman, NBA Ado-Ekiti)- Secretary
Bolawale Awe
Idowu Ayenimo
Omodara O. Vincent
Oladele Blessing
Adesoba Oluremi
S.B.J Bamise
