Banji Alabi Fires Back at Corruption Claims, Defends Tenure at RUGIPO, Demands Retraction and Equal Publicity
Banji Alabi Fires Back at Corruption Claims, Defends Tenure at RUGIPO, Demands Retraction and Equal Publicity
Dear Sir,
Attention: Chief Bolawole
RE : Revisiting Akeredolu’s cenotaph of controversy
I am writing to respond to your recent article, which insinuates corruption during my tenure as Chairman of the Council of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. I want to emphasize that these allegations are entirely unfounded and baseless. In fact, corruption was totally impossible during our time, given the financial constraints and transparent processes that characterized our administration.11TH-RUGIPO-GOVERNING-COUNCIL-3
When I took over as Chairman, the school was facing significant challenges, including owing about 9 months’ salaries to staff. This fact is in the public domain and speaks to the dire financial situation we inherited. Despite these challenges, our team made sacrifices and worked tirelessly to ensure the institution’s progress. In many instances, I personally funded the school’s activities from my own resources, demonstrating my commitment to the institution’s growth and development.
Yes, “On numerous occasions, I found myself in a position where my personal financial resources exceeded those of the school. After salary payments, the school’s account would often be left with barely zero balance . I recall instances where the Rector would reach out to me, requesting financial assistance to entertain important visitors, as the school lacked the necessary funds. I would then generously support the school from my own pocket, underscoring my commitment to the institution’s growth and development.”
The school’s funding sources are limited to government subvention and school fees. Unfortunately, the government often falls short of paying up to 40% of the subvention due to the school. The school fees, initially N35,000 ( thirty five thousand Naira) and later increased to N50,000 ( Fifty Thousand Naira) per annum, are hardly enough to sustain the institution.
School Funding During late Aketi’s Tenure:
Transparency in Allocation
During Aketi’s time, the government would convene a meeting with all Ondo State stakeholders/unions, including the Polytechnic Owo union, after receiving federal allocations. The allocation would be shared among stakeholders, with the workforce aware of each institution’s share.
Union representatives would escort the funds to Owo, meet with the Rector, and jointly determine the percentage for worker compensation, factoring in school fees received. This transparent process left no room for impropriety, as every transaction was accounted for and overseen by multiple parties. Where’s the opportunity for stealing in this transparent system?”
The role of the Chairman of the Council is part-time, with meetings, every quarter – twice per quarter-limited to eight times a year. I did not participate in the day-to-day running of the school, which is the responsibility of the Rector. I did not sign any checks or operate the school’s accounts, further eliminating any possibility of financial impropriety. The Council’s role was limited to formulating policies and guidance for the school’s smooth operation.
Before the second coming of Governor Akeredolu, we borrowed money from First Bank to pay three months’ salaries, which speaks to the financial struggles we faced. Governor Akeredolu was so pleased with this effort that he spoke glowingly of me.
Regarding the visitation panel, I chose not to attend due to personal reasons . As a lawyer, I was aware of the legal implications and the fact that the panel was not properly constituted. The late Aketi, accused me of insubordination for not attending the panel, but I told him point-blank, why I won’t attend, I reminded him of our training as lawyers not to entertain injustices
Notably, Aketi never accused me of financial impropriety, as there was no basis for such allegations.
I want to emphasize that the team I worked with was comprised of highly respected and distinguished individuals, including one of our former First Ladies in Ondo State, the current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Ondo North , a former member of the House of Representatives, a doyen of the University of Lagos, Immediate past commissioner of health of Ondo state , the current chairman of Owo Local Government council and a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, among others. Their integrity and reputation are unimpeachable, and our collective efforts led to significant improvements in the school’s facilities and operations.
“Transformational Leadership: Building Excellence at RUGIPO
Under my stewardship, we crafted an administration that stood out as a paragon of excellence among tertiary institutions in Western Nigeria. By leveraging our strategic connections with TETFUND and other federal agencies, we spearheaded unprecedented infrastructural development projects that catapulted RUGIPO to new heights.
A hallmark of our tenure was the emphasis on meritocracy and transparency. We ensured that the system operated seamlessly, with no nepotism or favoritism. Notably, no member of my family benefited from any contracts awarded during our administration. I deliberately maintained a hands-off approach to contract awards, empowering the contract board to make decisions based on merit and value.
This approach not only fostered a culture of accountability but also ensured that resources were utilized optimally to drive the institution’s growth and development. Our commitment to transparency, coupled with strategic partnerships, yielded tangible results that continue to benefit the institution to this day.”
It’s worth noting that I left the school about three years ago, and the problem of non-payment of salaries persists. This underscores the fact that the challenges we faced were systemic and not a result of corruption or mismanagement during my tenure.
Furthermore, I find it curious that you claim to have spoken with me for over three years after the issue of my father’s house was resolved. I have not seen or spoken with you Sir
I must correct you Sir ; I have not spoken with you, and I’m not aware of any conversation that would have taken place.
Concerning Late Governor Akeredolu, I want to categorically state that he was not vindictive he didn’t marked my father’s house for demolition because of our disagreements , this is a misconception. The truth is that the former Mimiko administration of Ondo State had already acquired the property before Akeredolu’s administration took office. My disagreement with the Governor did not influence his decision-making regarding the property, and I challenge you to provide evidence to the contrary.
My background speaks for itself. I’ve never known poverty, having worked with one of the world’s most largest and most influential multinational oil companies for 25 years. This tenure not only honed my professional skills but also afforded me the opportunity to attend strategic training programs at some of the globe’s most prestigious institutions.
My success is evident in my lifestyle. I reside in a zip code reserved for some of the most powerful and influential individuals in Nigeria and globally. This privilege is a testament to my hard work and dedication.
The late Aketi, a respected figure, often came to my defense, highlighting my accomplishments. He’d say, “If people don’t know you or your house in Lagos, at least they see the one in your hometown.” This statement reflects his admiration for my achievements and the visible impact I’ve made in my community.
“Many people were surprised by our (Late Aketi and I) renewed camaraderie, but for me, it was a natural progression. As a seasoned professional with a thriving real estate business and a fulfilling career as a lawyer, I didn’t need the chairmanship to validate my worth. My focus has always been on delivering value, whether in public service or private enterprise.
When the Governor relieved me, I saw it as an opportunity to refocus on my business and personal priorities. I’ve always been driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to building a lasting legacy. With my father’s business legacy to uphold and grow, I’m more determined than ever to make a lasting impact in my community and beyond.”
I urge you to consider the facts and retract your baseless allegations. I am proud of my service and the accomplishments of our team, and I will not let unfounded accusations tarnish our reputation.
I have a message for our People today
,
Successful people build each other up , they motivate, inspire and push each other
Unsuccessful people just hate, blame, and complain.
1. Always remember that you can grow without destroying others.
2. Always remember that your dreams can be fulfilled without sabotaging other people’s dreams.
3, Don’t let your inadequacies or failures motivate you to destroy other people’s image and discredit their success and achievements in order to justify your own failures.”
4. Don’t let your shortcomings or failures drive you to undermine others’ success; instead, focus on your own growth and celebrate their achievements.”
5. Always remember that nobody must go down for you to rise – we can all rise. We can hold each other’s hands and rise together.
6. Always remember that what you wish for others is a prayer for yourself.
7. Never use the position you occupy today to destroy others. Use your position to elevate and promote others
8. Never look down on others.
9 Be the good fire that lights up others – be the salt of the earth.
10: Never take delight in sponsoring pain for others and bringing tears to others.
11 Allow the truth of God to guide you.
12, Don’t ruin other people’s image and goodwill.
MOMENT OF TRUTH
(1) The world does not reward efforts; it rewards impact.
(2) The people who rise are those who answer questions, solve problems, and meet real needs. Pharaoh never asked Joseph where he came from or the religion he practiced; he only cared about results, not credentials.
(3) Joseph didn’t have to lobby for the position; his solution made him indispensable. The world respects solutions more than origin. Every bias will disappear in the presence of real competence. If you bring undeniable value and competence, even the most powerful people won’t question where you’re from.
(4) The key thing is value. Value is needed everywhere, and those who can provide it undeniably will excel.
(5) The person who has what is needed now will be sought after. You are as valuable as the problems you can solve.
(6) Always remember that the world doesn’t reward efforts but value. You are as valuable as the problem you can solve.
(7) Assignment:
Tonight – I encourage you — Identify a gap and fill it up. You are as important as the problems you can solve. —- You will be on your way to the limelight – to be a celebrity ,
Your promotion is the next and I will be part of the celebration
Please find attached here the record of our stewardship during our tenure as council: Kindly give this rejoinder the same publicity
Thanks Sir
Banji Alabi Esq
Watch some achievements of Banji Alabi as Rugipo council chairman
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