EFCC arrests LG chairman in Kwara

Yekini Jimoh, Ilorin - 31.01.2008

THE chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Bibire Ajape, was on Wednesday arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ajape was said to have been arrested at Ote, Asa Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the immediate past Special Assistant to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation, was arrested in connection with an alleged misappropriation of funds when he was in office.

He served as the campaign manager of the governor during his second term campaign. Meanwhile, Governor Bukola Saraki has said that his government would not support any act that might hinder the success of his administration’s anti-corruption crusade.

The governor, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Alhaji Billy Adedamola, said any of his aides found wanting by the EFCC for allegation of corruption should submit himself or herself to the commission.

Saraki warned that he would not allow any corrupt person to tarnish the image of his administration, stressing that his government had been operating an open door policy and would continue to do that.

The governor, who had earlier urged the chairman to submit himself to the EFCC, said he ddid not want to appear to be shielding the chairman, adding that such action was an embarrassment to the state government.

“I will not want my administration to be rubbished by any individual or group through any act of corruption. I will not allow that,” the governor warned.