Chairman Molos Fires Back: "Fight Fraud, Not Innocent Leadership" in N1.2bn Cash Transfer Saga
Chairman Molos Fires Back: "Fight Fraud, Not Innocent Leadership" in N1.2bn Cash Transfer Saga
By Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond Published by: Global Egberi Media International | July 1, 2025
Ondo State – In the bustling heart of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, a storm of accusations recently erupted, prompting a fiery rebuttal from none other than the Executive Chairman, High Chief Caleb Ebimobowei Molos. The Council Boss has stepped forward to address what he terms "a blatant misdirection of accusations" following public claims by Comrade Ofoyeju Douboerimini James. The activist had urged the Chairman to intervene in alleged corrupt practices surrounding the Federal Government's N1.2 billion conditional cash transfer scheme.
The Accusation: Unnamed Actors and Alleged Corruption
The controversy ignited when Comrade James took to social media, accusing "unnamed actors" of corruption during the recent distribution of debit cards to beneficiaries in Agadagba Obon. The implication, for many onlookers, seemed to draw the local government into the murky waters of the alleged malpractices.
Chairman Molos's Swift Rebuttal: Setting the Record Straight
However, High Chief Molos wasted no time in issuing a bold, no-holds-barred response. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Denis Pounah, the Council Boss meticulously dismantled the claims, aiming to set the record straight and clear the air around his administration.
"No local government official is involved, stop the false dragging," the Chairman emphatically declared.
The official statement categorically clarified that the allegations did not originate from within the Council's operations. Instead, it pointed to a June 29 report by Arogbo Ibe Voice Reporters, which directly implicated federal agents responsible for overseeing the distribution exercise in both Agadagba Obon and Igbekebo.
Federal vs. Local: Unpacking the Cash Transfer Mechanics
High Chief Molos's office underscored a crucial distinction: the entire conditional cash transfer process was exclusively managed by Federal Government agents.
“The entire process, from sensitization to distribution was handled exclusively by Federal Government agents,” the statement highlighted.
It further detailed the process, explaining that these federal officials had clearly communicated to beneficiaries that, upon activating their debit cards loaded with ₦75,000, they had the option to transfer the funds to personal accounts. This transfer could be facilitated using Point of Sale (POS) agents, who charged a non-mandatory ₦3,000 transaction fee. The Council Boss stressed that the POS option was entirely voluntary, unequivocally stating that “no coercion, no compulsion, and certainly no fraud orchestrated by local government personnel” took place.
Backing Anti-Graft Probe, Warning Against Defamation
Understanding the importance of accountability, High Chief Molos expressed his full support for any legitimate anti-graft probe into the matter. He acknowledged that Comrade Ofoyeju had already submitted a petition to anti-corruption agencies, a move the Chairman described as “commendable and lawful.”
However, he vehemently condemned any attempt to unjustly implicate the Council Boss, branding such actions as both irresponsible and unjustifiable.
“We advise Mr. Ofoyeju to diligently pursue his petition, as the Council Chairman is also eager for truth and justice,” Dennis Pounah, the Chief Press Secretary, conveyed to our news correspondence. “But let it be known: this office will not serve as a dumping ground for misdirected rage or political scapegoating.”
"This is a Federal Matter": Upholding Constitutional Mandates
Chairman Molos drove home a critical point: the constitutional mandate for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes of this magnitude rests solely with federal institutions.
"This is a federal matter, let EFCC and ICPC do their Job," Molos asserted, firmly rejecting any attempt to politicize the issue or unfairly taint the local government with guilt.
The statement explicitly clarified that “The officials under question are not employees of Ese-Odo Local Government Council.” It warned that “Dragging the Executive Chairman’s name into the mud is not only unjust but also a deliberate attempt to distract from the real culprits.”
A Call for Fact-Based Activism
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and combating corruption, High Chief Molos reiterated his unwavering support for any genuine effort to uproot malpractices. However, he stressed that this must not come at the expense of truth or innocent reputations.
“We encourage Ofoyeju to be the activist he claims to be,” the statement concluded. “But if this crusade is genuine, he must direct his energy toward those truly responsible not against one whose hands are clean, whose record is clear, and whose office has no involvement in this federal programme.”
As this controversy unfolds, Chairman Molos's strong and clear response sends a powerful message across Ese-Odo: the pursuit of justice must be anchored in facts, not fabrications. And within this vibrant community, political witch hunts will simply not be tolerated.
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