Alao-Akala Indictment

Hakeem Babalola
An administrative panel of enquiry set up by Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja recently indicted his Deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala and recommended that he should be barred from holding any public office. Alao-Akala is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer in this month's governorship election.

Before I go in perspective, I would like to alert you about my prejudice. It is that I would have openly disrespected Ladoja had he failed to probe Akala, who acted as Oyo State governor for eleven months after the former had been illegally impeached. It could be recalled that the impeachement caused controversy through out the country. Eventually, Ladoja was reinstated despite Akala's godfather's boastful and empty talk.

After Ladoja's reinstatement, he talked very much about reconciliation with Akala whom Ladoja passionately believe had betrayed him. It didn't take me a second before I dismissed such reestablishment of such cordial relations as an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of situation. I would not call it a straight forward deceit rather political misrepresentation. I guess Akala himself knew that the trust between him and his boss had gone with the harmattan, hence he kept his distance.

The rivalry or enimity between the two became even intense as a result of personal ambition under the disguise of serving the people of Oyo State. Both men struggled to be the PDP governorship flag bearer in the state. As it now appears, PDP has chosen Akala as its flag bearer. Ladoja then filed a suit asking the court to let him finish his term that had been interrupted by unlawful means, meaning he wants to stay beyond May 29, 2007.

Now I would focus on the nature of the indictment. The administrative panel, headed by the Oyo State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Adebayo Shittu, indicted Akala and Taoheed Adedoja, former chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who is running against Akala in this month’s election as Action Congress (AC) flag bearer – "for fraud, embezzlement and financial mismanagement. The duo are to refund various sums of money believed to be proceeds from inflated contracts". In addition, Akala is to face prosecution when he loses the immunity he currently enjoys.

It was alleged that Akala and some government officials defrauded the state to the tune of #800 million. The panel’s investigation and report covered areas of allegation spanning purchase of a 26-year-old 1000KVA generator, which packed up after functioning for only 15 hours – for #18 million; purchase of state customised primary school textbooks with an over-invoicing of about #537 million; purchase of 33 units of Toyota Hiace mobile ambulances for the 33 local governments with an inflated amount of #280 million. The panel concluded that Akala’s inability to either bring those involved to book corroborates his culpability in the ’unfortunate episode’ which caused the state to lose valuable money.

This is no doubt a serious allegation. It is a state of dishonour however, if what Akala’s camp could offer as evidence for the defense is, "the panel work was witch-hunting and proof of the governor’s (Ladoja) vendetta". I expect Akala to put the panel to shame by responding accordingly; he should provide contrary evidence to protect his self-respect. The least Akala should do is this: answer the allegations. Did he Akala embezzle and, or inflate contract? This is not an ambiguous question. Let Akala’s camp stop beating about the bush by describing the indictment as "lame, or that it cannot be implemented", according to Dotun Oyelade, the Director of Media and Publicity of Akala’s campaign.

I quite agree with the Secretary to the State Government, Dele Adigun, who says that "Forgiveness and reconciliation cannot work with regard to public fund". Akala and his supporters should do the people of Oyo State a favour by fighting back. He should open a can of worms like Atiku. Let him tell us the skeleton inside Ladoja’s cupboard – if there’s any. This he should do or keep quiet. Whether the panel, as claimed by Akala’s camp, is illegal or not, Akala has a case to answer. But I doubt if the law would be allowed to take its course, bearing in mind that Akala is currently enjoying the backing of Olu Molete of Molete, and em Aso Rock emperor.

© 2007 copyright mysmallvoice@yahoo.com