Ondo Teachers Recruitment Fraud: CD Calls For Prosecution Of Indicted Officials

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy (CD), has called for Justice for unsuspecting job seekers in Ondo who were ripped off by some officials of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, (OD SUBEB), while seeking for teaching job.

CD, in a statement on Tuesday, also, called for the removal of the Chairman of the Commission for negligence.

The statement, signed by its National President, Ifeanyi Odili, called for the setting up of a body of enquiry to facilitate unravelling the circumstances surrounding the fraud, thereby ensuring accountability and fostering public confidence in the governance processes of Ondo State.

“This grave matter involves the purported extortion of several millions of naira from unsuspecting candidates, precipitating significant financial losses for numerous individuals who participated in the recent teacher recruitment exercise conducted by SUBEB.

“According to credible information obtained by CD, it is alleged that in excess of five hundred candidates were defrauded of substantial sums, with individual losses ranging from six hundred thousand naira to one million naira.

“A delegation from CD visited the premises of SUBEB, whereupon they witnessed firsthand the profound distress exhibited by numerous candidates who had fallen victim to this fraudulent activity.

“These aggrieved individuals were observed expressing their anguish through visible displays of emotional turmoil, including wailing, weeping, and crying, consequent to the considerable financial losses inflicted upon them by purportedly unscrupulous elements associated with SUBEB.

“Information at the disposal of CD indicates that certain officers of SUBEB issued documents purporting to be official appointment letters and posting letters to the affected candidates, which bore the signature of the Permanent Secretary of the board. Regrettably, subsequent verification revealed these documents to be counterfeit, thereby compounding the gravity of the situation.

“It was further gathered that the victims had been posted to various schools and had worked for the state government for three months without pay.

“Regrettably, these candidates had resigned from their previous employment with the expectation of securing a better opportunity with the government.

“Whilst CD acknowledges that preliminary actions have been taken, as evidenced by the suspension of a principal suspect implicated in this malfeasance, the organization firmly posits that such a measure is inadequate in addressing the severity of the alleged crimes.

“In view of this, CD hereby calls for the immediate removal of the Chairman of SUBEB, citing gross incompetence and a manifest failure to ensure the integrity and transparency of the recruitment process.

“Furthermore, CD urgently demands the following actions: immediate and Comprehensive Investigation; a thorough probe into the alleged fraudulent activities, encompassing all facets of the malfeasance.

“The apprehension of all individuals implicated in this fraud, irrespective of their position or affiliation; vigorous legal proceedings against those found culpable, including any external collaborators or accomplices.”