By John Dike, Osogbo
The Accord Party in Osun State has challenged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, to explain his alleged role in the management of a $20 million primary healthcare grant during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Osun State Chairman of Accord, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, the party questioned Oyebamiji’s involvement in the handling of the World Bank-backed health grant while he served as Chairman of the State Procurement Board.
Accord said the challenge followed concerns raised over what it described as alleged irregularities in the disbursement of the fund meant to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in the state.
According to the party, Oyebamiji, who also served as Commissioner for Finance under the previous administration, chaired the procurement board meeting that reportedly deliberated on how the grant would be disbursed.
The party queried what transpired during the meeting, which it said was attended by other board members including Adeleke Banik, Remi Omowaiye, and two others.
Accord demanded explanations on the resolution reached at the meeting and whether the decision complied with the provisions of the state’s procurement laws.
It also asked Oyebamiji to clarify the content of the report submitted by the procurement board to the State Executive Council, which allegedly led to the awarding of contracts tied to the healthcare grant.
The party further questioned why due process and procurement regulations were allegedly violated during the disbursement of the fund while Oyebamiji was serving both as Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Procurement Board.
“Why did Mr. Oyebamiji, as Finance Commissioner who also doubled as Procurement Board Chairman, allow the illegal sharing of primary healthcare contracts in gross violation of extant laws?” the statement queried.
Accord maintained that official government records contain details of the decisions taken at the time and urged the APC governorship candidate to provide a clear explanation to the people of Osun State.
The party added that residents of the state deserve transparency regarding how the $20 million World Bank health grant was utilised.
