By Allen Sowore, Esq.
Following my recent commentary on the current leadership vacuum in Ondo State and the alleged forgery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON’s signature by unscrupulous individuals aiming to exploit his ongoing health challenge for personal gain, a senior officer in the state brought to my attention that the state’s Accountant General, Mrs. Esther Toyin Oni, receives over 90% of the Governor’s approvals on memos.
The Accountant General of the State oversees the State Government Accounting Services and the Treasury. Her responsibility lies in establishing robust accounting systems and controls within the State MDAs. Essentially, she serves as the guardian of our treasury. This realization prompted me to dedicate this intervention to her.
Recently, at the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, I observed the trial of the former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emiefele. He stood alone in the dock. All those he had granted foreign forex to had abandoned him, leaving him to answer for his actions alone. This exemplifies the nature of crime.
Indeed, in the administration of criminal laws, ignorance is not a defense. I’ve come to understand that Mrs. Oni is diligent, dedicated, and holds a strong sense of responsibility. In times of imminent danger in Yoruba society, elders would whisper certain proverbs to their loved ones, such as “Oju ni Alakan fi Sori” or “Okere ologun, afi ìfunra,” among others.
If I were the Accountant General or a senior member of staff in her office, considering the current circumstances in the state, I would acquire a new set of eyeglasses to more meticulously scrutinize these alleged varied signatures of the State Chief Executive.
Pánsá ọ̀ fura, pánsá já! Àjà o fura, aja jin! onile ti o ba fura, ole ni yoo ko lo. Yoruba bo woni ìfunra logun àgbà.
The crab watches itself with its eye – Oju ni Alakan fi Sori.
