Ondo Assembly launch probe into fake employment letters saga,sets up investigation committee
By Oyeniwa Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly has condemned the recent scandal involving fake employment letters issued to unsuspecting job seekers during a state recruitment exercise.
During plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, on Tuesday, lawmakers described the matter as one of urgent public importance, stressing that it has tarnished the image of the state and inflicted untold hardship on victims who reportedly paid as much as ₦500,000 to secure jobs that never existed.
The Speaker noted that the incident, which sparked public protests earlier this month, has already led to the suspension of some officials of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He warned, however, that suspension alone was not enough, insisting that those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
“Fake letters were issued, money exchanged hands, and people were defrauded. This House must not fold its arms while our people are exploited,” he declared.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate decried the scale of the fraud, describing it as criminal, wicked, and a breach of public trust. They called for a high-powered committee to summon all actors involved, both insiders and external collaborators, for questioning.
The legislators further cautioned citizens against offering bribes or payments to secure government jobs, warning that such acts also constitute a crime under Nigerian law.
Beyond punishment for the culprits, the House emphasized the need for government at all levels to urgently address the underlying problem of unemployment, which they said has made young people vulnerable to scams.
They resolved that, alongside the investigation, deliberate steps must be taken to expand job opportunities through ongoing government programmes.
The Assembly concluded by setting up a committee to investigate the scandal. Members include the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, who serves as Chairman; the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu, as Vice Chairman; and other members- Hon Kolawole Ologede, Hon Stephen Abitogun, Hon Morenike Witherspoon, and Hon Chris Ogunlana.
In another development, a bill for a law to amend the Ondo State Public Audit Amendment Law, 2021, and for other matters incidental thereto or connected therewith, was committed to the Public Accounts Committee for proper scrutiny after scaling through the second reading.
The motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Olatunji Oshati, and seconded by Hon Messiah Allen.
COMMENTS