WHY I REVOKED OGD'S FATHER'S CHURCH C OF O - AMOSU

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday spoke on why his administration revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of a church built by his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in memory of his late father, Pa Abraham Adebola.

Amosun, who spoke during the inauguration of four statutory commissions in Abeokuta, the state capital, said his action was in the best interest of the state.

According to him, the exercise was not to witchunt anyone but 'to comply with the due process of the law'' and also ensure that justice was done by returning the affected land to their original owners.

He noted that government's decision had nothing to do with individual or group's interest, stressing that, it was in the interest of the state.

Amosun further explained that government's move was initiated by memoranda submitted by members of the public, on the illegal acquisition of lands during the last administration.

The governor also spoke on the merger of the two state owned universities, the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).

The Ogun State House of Assembly had last week stopped the scrapping of the nation's pioneer University of Education until due process was followed.

He said the merger of the two state owned universities was in the best interest of the state, adding 'it is better to have one better funded and well-equipped university than two struggling ones.''

While inaugurating members of the state Independent Electoral Commission, Amosun canvassed a conducive environment for free and fair elections to thrive.

He also stressed the need for machinery at the local government level for the public to exercise their rights.

According to him, absence of credible elections often create chaos adding that the 14 members who took their oath of office and allegiance in the various commissions were men and women of value, professionalism and integrity.

Describing their appointment as a call to service, Amosun urged them to maximise all resources at their disposal for credible elections in the local government level.

Aside from members of the OGSIEC who were inaugurated, the governor also inaugurated members of the state Judicial Service Commission as well as House of Assembly Service Commission

Responding on behalf of the various commissions, Chairman, OGSIEC, Mrs Risikat Iyabo Ogunfemi, promised not to disappoint the state by their appointments.

Ogunfemi assured that the forthcoming elections in the state would be free, fair and credible, adding that it would bring about the desire change in the election.