Payroll fraud: Osun govt urges consultant to face anti-graft probe
Naija News • 4d ago
**Osun payroll scandal: Government tells consultant to submit evidence to anti-graft agencies**
In recent times, the spotlight has been on Osun State's payroll review process, with allegations of irregularities and fraud. At the center of the controversy is payroll consultant, Sally Tibbot, who has made some explosive claims against senior officials of the state government. However, the government has responded sharply, urging the consultant to present any evidence she may have to anti-graft agencies investigating the matter.
According to a statement issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government wants the consultant to follow due process and submit any additional information she may have to investigators, rather than broadcasting it on television. This, he argues, will allow the ongoing investigations to run their course without what he calls a media trial.
The controversy centers around the payroll inherited from the previous government, which the current administration is reviewing. The consultant has alleged that some officials acted irregularly and added thousands of workers to the payroll without due process. However, the government maintains that the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, acted within his official responsibilities as a gatekeeper to ensure that due process was followed.
The government has also questioned the consultant's methods, pointing out that she acknowledged in her report that thousands of workers were added to the payroll under the previous administration. They argue that the audited payroll reflected the situation as it existed before the current government commenced its review.
The consultant's televised interview has also raised concerns about the unauthorized circulation of recorded telephone conversations, which the government says constitutes a breach of applicable laws. In response, the government is considering legal steps.
In conclusion, the Osun State government wants the consultant to submit any evidence she may have to anti-graft agencies, rather than broadcasting it on television. The government maintains that its officials acted within their official responsibilities and are committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. As the investigation continues, all parties are urged to cooperate fully with anti-graft agencies, and the government has promised to abide by the outcome of the probe.