Ondo uncovers N4.3bn kept in secret account for 10 years

N4.3bn which was kept in a secret account for more than 10 years has been uncovered by the Ondo state government.

Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo confirmed this in a statement released on Thursday, May 14.

He said the money which was uncovered due to the discrete financial intelligence of the Commissioner for Finance Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, was lodged in a third-generation bank without due process for over 10 years ago.

Ojogo said;

“We recall that at inception of this administration, concerted efforts were made to take a comprehensive inventory of all assets and liabilities of Government which include liquidity status.

“This exercise, modestly conducted without the usual noise, was aimed at avoiding sensationalization and needless acrimony. In this regard, all development partners of the Government, including Banks rendered highly commendable forms of assistance.

“It should be noted that neither the Finance Commissioner nor the Accountant-General was in his present position as at when the said account was opened more than ten years ago.

“The invitation of the Finance Commissioner by the House of Assembly and indeed, same extended to both the State Accountant-General and the Auditor-General are in line with Government’s desire to make as transparent as possible, the management of our commonwealth in Ondo State.”

The Commissioner for Finance Mr. Wale Akinterinwa who also confirmed this while appearing before lawmakers said the money has been ploughed into the revenue account of government. He also denied claims of a consultant being hired in the course of retrieving the N4.3bn.