The Assembly of Patriots International has dragged a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun, Mr Abayomi Hunye, before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC), over allegations of abuse of office and alleged N2bn fraud.
The allegation was contained in a petition filed by the Democratic Integrity Forum with a call on ICPC to investigate the activities of Hunye as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA).
Addressing newsmen at a press conference in Abeokuta, on Saturday, on behalf of the group, Kazeem Soliu stated that the petition contained allegations of awarding lucrative contracts and procurement within the agency to companies and business entities linked to the former OGWAMA boss and his relatives.
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Soliu reads, “Preliminary information available suggests that public funds exceeding ₦2 billion may have been diverted through a network of bank accounts and corporate entities linked to the former OGWAMA boss, his wives, and his children.
“Assets and properties recently acquired by the former official appear vastly disproportionate to his known legitimate sources of income as a public servant.”
The group therefore called on ICPC to conduct a forensic review of OGWAMA’s banking records, procurement documents, contract awards, and payment schedules to uncover the truth.
“As sons and daughters of Ogun State, we are deeply concerned about the exploitation of public office for selfish interests. If Mr. Abayomi Hunye indeed abused his powers by facilitating contract awards to entities controlled by his family without due process, then a full criminal and financial investigation must follow.
When contacted, the ex- OGWAMA boss, Hunye, stated that his records in office are clear and verifiable, describing the petition as an effort to damage his reputation in the course of pursuing his ambition.
He explained that he had appeared twice before the Ogun State House of Assembly, while those who alleged him failed to appear.
“These allegations are not new. When they were first raised, I was asked to proceed on leave to allow for investigations. However, no credible findings were ever established against me.
“The Ogun State House of Assembly also invited parties involved in the matter. I honoured the invitation and appeared twice, while those making the allegations failed to appear and substantiate their claims before I eventually resigned as a Special Adviser to the governor due to my governorship ambition.
“My record in office remains clear and verifiable. Under my leadership, OGWAMA’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) grew from approximately ₦600 million to ₦2.8 billion through revenue diversion blockage, reforms, innovation, and improved efficiency.
“The fact that these allegations are being publicly circulated through press before any investigation has even commenced is proof that this is a political gimmick aimed at damaging my reputation and frustrating my aspiration to serve as the next Governor of Ogun State.
“Nevertheless, I welcome any lawful investigation and remain confident that the truth will prevail. I will not be distracted by these antics. Instead, I remain focused on my vision for Ogun State and committed to serving the people with integrity and purpose,” he said
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