The Ondo State Government has claimed it uncovered N4.3 billion kept in a secret account for more than 10 years.
It was gathered that the money was lodged in a third generation bank without due process over 10 years ago during the late Governor Olusegun Agagu’s administration and a Consultant was hired to retrieve it.
Information and Orientation Commissioner in Ondo State, Donald Ojogo, in a statement, on Friday, in Akure, said that the account was uncovered through vigilant and discreet financial intelligence of the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa.
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Ojogo said the finance commissioner stumbled on the account and reported the deposited fund.
He said the money has been reflected in the records of the state for accountability and transparency.
Ojogo said, “We recall that at the inception of this administration, efforts were made to take a comprehensive inventory of assets and liabilities of the government, which include liquidity status.
“This
exercise, modestly conducted without the usual noise, was aimed at avoiding
sensationalism and needless acrimony.
“All development partners of the government, including banks, rendered highly
commendable assistance.
“It should be noted that neither the Finance Commissioner nor the Accountant-General were in their present position when the account was opened more than 10 years ago.
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“The invitation of the Finance Commissioner by the House of Assembly and indeed, same extended to the state Accountant-General and the Auditor-General are in line with the government’s desire to make as transparent as possible, the management of our commonwealth in Ondo State.”
The finance commissioner had told the lawmakers that he facilitated the discovery of the money stashed in a bank account.
He said the money had been ploughed into the revenue account of the government, and debunked allegations that a consultant was hired in the course of retrieving the N4.3 billion.