“I Was Considered  Major Stumbling Block To Illegal Activities In Government Forest Reserves” – Sacked Ondo Gov’s Aide

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Governor’s Aide who was dismissed over an alleged N30m bribe has clarified that he was sacrificed to protect the interest of some timber merchants in the State out to rip off Government.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday, announced the dismissal from office the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, with immediate effect.

This followed allegations of bribery and intimidation leveled against Mr. Ewenla by some timber merchants in the State.

The Governor also ordered a probe into the activities of those saddled with the responsibility of managing forest reserves in the State.

“I would like to categorically state that the allegation is false and the whole issue was orchestrated to tarnish my image because I was considered a major stumbling block to illegal activities in Government Forest Reserves.

Ewenla, in a statement in Akure explained that “Ondo State Government had already banned deforestation of any kind and prevented them from operating there.

“Before they can operate, they have to pay a certain amount to Government coffers. The money being talked about is meant for the Government. It is not to be paid into my personal account.

“All I was committed to was trying to put sanity into the job. All my activities are directed to increasing the internally generated revenue of the state government.

“I accept the decision of Mr Governor who appointed me and deemed it fit to relieve me. It is, however, important to make this clarification for official reasons.”