.. Sets up special committee to investigate allegations of financial transparency, accountability, deceit, fraudulent activities.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE TWO-DAY PLENARY SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF OKUN STUDENTS (NAOS) NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HELD FROM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 TO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
The plenary session was presided over by the National Senate President, Senator Ejiwumi Omolade.
The National Legislative Council of the National Association of Okun Students (NAOS) convened for a two-day plenary session to deliberate on matters concerning the association.
The following senators were present:
Senate President Ejiwumi Omolade,
Deputy Senate President Oyebode Oloruntoba.
Others are:
Sen. Samuel Oluwabusayomi, Kabba Constituency,
Sen. Atanda Victoria Adebisi, Yagba West Constituency,
Sen. Abodunde Abass, Ijumu Constituency,
Sen. Adeola Simon Sunday, Mopamuro Constituency,
Sen. Jeremiah Godwin, Bunu Constituency.
The issues discussed and the resolutions reached are as follows:
*ALLEGATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION:*
1. Information has come to our attention that the President has sold the association’s vehicle without providing proper records of expenditure or accounting for the retirement of funds. This raises significant concerns regarding financial transparency and accountability.
2. Allegations have surfaced that the President engaged in unlawful, deceitful, and fraudulent activities, including defrauding prominent Okun individuals, such as Elder Leke Abejide and others, using the name of our association. This is a serious breach of trust and contradicts the fundamental principles upon which our association is built.
3. The President has failed to provide a comprehensive account of the financial management of NAOS’s finances, including the sources of income and the allocation of subvention received from the Government of Kogi State. Transparency in financial matters is vital to maintaining our organization’s credibility.
4. Concerns have been raised about the President’s endorsement of two gubernatorial candidates for the Kogi State election, which contradicts the apolitical status of the association and the knowledge of the entire student body, including the Executive and Legislative Councils. This raises questions about constitutionalism, impartiality, and fairness within our leadership.
5. Worries have been expressed that the President’s actions have damaged the image of our association and could be interpreted as an attempt to blackmail various branches of the student body, including stakeholders. Such behavior is unacceptable and detrimental to the reputation of our association.
*RESOLUTIONS:*
Resolution 1: In light of the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation, the President, Comrade Ajibade Olamilekan David, is hereby suspended from his duties and responsibilities for a period of 20 working days. This suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until the completion of the investigation and further recommendations by a special committee.
*Resolution 2:* A special committee shall be constituted to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the allegations against the President. This committee will be responsible for reviewing the evidence, hearing witnesses, and making recommendations to the National Legislative Council.
The following are members of the Special Investigative Committee:
· Sen. Oyebode Oloruntoba Emmanuel- Chairman,
· Sen. Samuel Oluwabusayomi- Secretary,
· Sen. Atanda Victoria Adebisi- Member,
· Sen. Abodunde Abass- Member.
*Resolution 3:* The suspended president is by this communique ordered to immediately handover all association properties and documents at his disposal, including administration of the NAOS National Whatsapp platform which has been locked since the past three (3) days to the Executive Secretary in order to ensure unhindered operation of the association, and for the investigative committee to be able to sample the opinions of NAOSITES.
In conclusion, these resolutions are made with the utmost concern for the well-being and credibility of the National Association of Okun Students (NAOS). We are committed to upholding our organization’s principles of transparency, accountability, and impartiality. The suspended President is therefore restricted from parading himself as president of the association or engage in any activities in the name of the association. Also, the suspended president is encouraged to fully cooperate with the investigative committee and to respect the suspension as we work towards a fair and just resolution.
*OTHER MATTERS*
Comr. Sunday Adeola Simon, National President of Mopa Students Union and the senator representing Mopamuro constituency moved a motion for the passage of vote of confidence on Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for the following reasons:
1. His developmental strides as governor of Kogi state over the past seven (7) years,
2. The establishment of a state university in Okunland- Kogi State University, Kabba,
3. The relocation of Kogi State College of Education (Technical ) to Mopamuro local government.
*RESOLUTION*
A vote of confidence was unanimously passed on His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello in accordance to the reasons advanced by Comrade Adeola Sunday Simon.
*CONCLUSION*
We remain committed to the values and mission of NAOS and look forward to a swift and transparent resolution of the matters at hand.
*Signed:*
Comr. Iyanuoluwa Idris,
National Clerk of the Senate, National Association of Okun Students (NAOS)