Strange: Ondo Uncovers N4.3 Billion Kept in Bank For Over 10 Years

By Akinwale Kasali

In a revelation that shocked most people in the audience, the Ondo State Government said it has stumbled on the sum of N4.3 billion hidden and apparently forgotten in a hidden account for 10 years and counting.

It has not quite been disclosed how the discovery was made, who hid it, and in which bank, but it is like manna from heaven, and has brought great joy to the State Governor,  Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and his government, especially now when most states are cash-strapped.

The heart-warming discovery was made known by the State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, when he appeared before the State House of Assembly, for a briefing.

Akinterinwa said the  N4.3 billion was uncovered when a discreet investigation was carried out by his office.

The money, the  Commissioner said, was  lodged in a third generation bank without due process for over 10 years.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Donald Ojogo, “We recall that at the inception of this administration, concerted efforts were made to take a comprehensive inventory of all assets and liabilities of Government which include liquidity status.

“This exercise, modestly conducted without the usual noise, was aimed at avoiding sensationalization and needless acrimony. In this regard, all development partners of the Government, including Banks, rendered highly commendable forms of assistance.

“It should be noted that neither the Finance Commissioner nor the Accountant-General was in his present position as at when the said account was opened more than ten years ago.

“The invitation of the Finance Commissioner by the House of Assembly and indeed, same extended to both the State Accountant-General and the Auditor-General, are in line with Government’s desire to make as transparent as possible, the management of our commonwealth in Ondo State.”

But briefing the Assembly, Akinterinwa said the money has been ploughed into the revenue account of government.

He also denied claims that a consultant was hired in the course of retrieving the N4.3bn from the hidden account.

The excited members of the House of Assembly prayed that the money would help to boost the economy of the State, and the well-being of the people.