AKURE, NIGERIA — The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has declared the state’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption in all its forms, stating that public office is a trust that must be held with the highest level of integrity and accountability.
Ajulo made the declaration on Monday during a workshop on anti-corruption and public accountability organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The workshop, held in Akure, brought together public servants, law enforcement officials, and civil society organisations to discuss strategies for combating corruption and promoting transparency in governance.
In his keynote address, Ajulo emphasised that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s development, eroding public trust, undermining institutions, and depriving citizens of the dividends of democracy. He said the Ondo State Government, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had adopted a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and was committed to ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and accountably.
“Public office is a sacred trust. Those of us privileged to serve must understand that we hold power in trust for the people. Corruption in any form, whether grand or petty, is a betrayal of that trust and an assault on the future of our state and country,” Ajulo stated. “Ondo State stands firmly against corruption, and we will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found to have abused public office, no matter how highly placed.”
The Attorney-General highlighted the steps taken by the state government to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and promote transparency, including the establishment of the Ondo State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, the digitisation of government payment systems, and the implementation of open contracting reforms. He said the government had also invested in training and capacity building for public servants to ensure they understand their obligations under the law.
“We have strengthened our institutions, improved our processes, and created an environment where corruption cannot thrive. But we cannot rest on our oars. Corruption is dynamic, and our response must be equally dynamic,” Ajulo said.
The Attorney-General also called on citizens to play an active role in the fight against corruption by reporting cases of bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of office to the relevant authorities. He assured that the government would protect whistleblowers and ensure that their reports are investigated promptly and thoroughly.
“Corruption is not just a crime against the state; it is a crime against the people. Every naira stolen from public coffers is a naira taken away from hospitals, schools, and roads. We must all join hands to fight this scourge,” he said.
The workshop featured presentations from officials of the EFCC and ICPC, who provided insights into the legal framework for combating corruption and the mechanisms for asset recovery. Participants also discussed the role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability, as well as the importance of strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption agencies.
The EFCC Zonal Director in Ondo State, Mr. Abubakar Ahmed, commended the state government for its commitment to the anti-corruption fight, describing the workshop as a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration between state and federal agencies. The ICPC Resident Commissioner, Mrs. Funmi Adeyemi, also praised the state’s efforts, noting that Ondo had become a model for other states in the area of public accountability.
Civil society organisations at the workshop urged the government to go beyond rhetoric and ensure that corrupt officials are prosecuted and held accountable. The Executive Director of the Ondo State Transparency Network, Mr. Tunde Oladipo, said the group would continue to monitor government spending and hold public officials accountable.
“The fight against corruption requires sustained effort, transparency, and accountability. We commend the Attorney-General for his leadership and urge the government to ensure that this commitment translates into tangible action,” Oladipo said.
As the workshop concluded, participants issued a communiqué calling for the establishment of a dedicated anti-corruption court in Ondo State to fast-track the prosecution of corruption cases. The Attorney-General assured that the government would consider the recommendation and continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen the anti-corruption framework in the state.
