Osun APC Calls for ICPC Investigation into Contract Misconduct by Chief of Staff Kazeem

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Kazeem Akinleye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State, over allegations of misconduct concerning a contract awarded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) at Osun State University (UNIOSUN).

The APC claims that Akinleye, leveraging his close relationship with the state government, facilitated the award of a N297 million contract to a company linked to him.

In a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party expressed concerns about Akinleye’s actions, arguing that they violate the ethical standards expected of public officials.

According to the APC, Akinleye’s involvement represents a conflict of interest, as he is alleged to have utilised his position for personal gain, thereby breaching the provisions of the Code of Conduct for public officers (Part 1, Section 5 of the Code of Conduct Act).

The statement further criticised Akinleye’s defence that he had resigned as a director of the company, AKINKAS INTERBIZ LIMITED, on 1st September 2022, shortly after his appointment as Chief of Staff.

The APC contends that this resignation is inconsequential, as the company remains under the management of Akinleye’s immediate family members.

Investigations by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) allegedly revealed that Akinleye’s family still plays a pivotal role in the company’s operations.

APC dismissed Akinleye’s justification that the contract in question was a federal project under TETFUND and thus within the company’s legal rights to execute.

The party argued that the procurement and award of such contracts fall under the jurisdiction of the institution’s Governing Council, whose members are directly appointed by the state governor, thereby linking the transaction to state influence.

They also emphasised that whether Akinleye is currently or formerly a director of the company is irrelevant to the case, stressing that the primary concern is the potential misuse of his official position to secure the contract.

The APC has called on the Code of Conduct Bureau to take immediate action by inviting, investigating, and prosecuting Akinleye as mandated by Parts 1 and 3(e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

They also appealed to stakeholders and the public to set aside political biases and join in condemning this alleged abuse of power, which they argue contravenes the state’s procurement laws.

In response to the allegations, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, dismissed the claims as unfounded and a product of the opposition’s desperation to undermine the current administration.

Rasheed insisted that Akinleye has conducted himself within the bounds of the law and has not engaged in any actions that would constitute a conflict of interest or an abuse of office.

He pointed out that Akinleye does not sit on the Governing Council of UNIOSUN nor on the board of TETFUND, and thus has no influence over the awarding of contracts.

Rasheed further clarified that Akinleye had officially ceased his directorship of AKINKAS INTERBIZ LIMITED before his appointment as Chief of Staff and, therefore, cannot be held accountable for the company’s dealings.

He reiterated that Akinleye has never participated in any meetings or deliberations related to the contract in question and is not in violation of the Code of Conduct or any applicable laws.

Rasheed accused the opposition of attempting to tarnish the reputation of UNIOSUN, which he described as a vibrant institution committed to excellence and adherence to best practices.

He also highlighted the Adeleke administration’s dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, and reaffirmed that Akinleye has not used his office for personal enrichment or for influencing contracts on behalf of any individual or entity.

The spokesperson concluded by urging the public to disregard the APC’s allegations, which he characterised as baseless attacks from “failed men of yesterday.”

He asserted that the administration remains focused on upholding due process and delivering good governance to the people of Osun State, while the Chief of Staff continues to execute his duties with integrity and dedication to the state’s development.

This ongoing controversy highlights the complex interplay of politics, governance, and public accountability in Osun State, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives on the conduct and ethical standards of key government officials.

As the ICPC and relevant bodies consider these allegations, the outcome of this case could set important precedents for the conduct of public officers in Nigeria.