- Threatens action if Aiyedatiwa fails to sack her
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has issued a press statement demanding the immediate dismissal of Mrs. Isaac Omowunmi, the Commissioner for Finance, over allegations of budget padding in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
The statement, signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, highlights several contentious items in the budget that have sparked public outcry in recent weeks.
The party expressed concerns regarding N11.5 billion security vote allocated to the Ministry of Finance, which has not been sufficiently explained to the public despite widespread calls for transparency.
Additionally, the budget includes a provision of N250 million designated for honorarium and sitting allowances, which the PDP claims serves only to benefit the Commissioner.
Among the most alarming items cited is the procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV Jeep for the Commissioner, priced at an extravagant N230 million. The PDP criticised this expenditure as particularly insensitive, given the pressing needs in the state.
“The PDP, Ondo State Chapter, believes that Mrs. Isaac Omowunmi must be sacked immediately for criminally abusing her office,” stated Peretei. “Her claims of being a UK-trained accountant are undermined by her actions, which amount to fleecing the public treasury.”
The statement threatens that if Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa does not take action to relieve Omowunmi of her duties, the party will take further steps to protect the interests of the people and their funds.
The PDP also raised questions about the status of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) team that reportedly arrived in the state to investigate the budget scandal.
The PDP’s statement concluded with a stark reminder that a government overseeing significant infrastructural deficits, a failing healthcare system, and declining educational standards cannot afford the financial recklessness exhibited by its Finance Commissioner.
As the controversy unfolds, the people of Ondo State await the government’s response to these serious allegations.
Leave a Reply