Some sacked commissioners in Ondo state, have alleged plan by one of the retained members of the cabinet, the finance commissioner, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, to bring in her loyalists.
They also, kicked against her perceived influence in the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Recall that governor Aiyedatiwa sacked the commissioners and other cabinet members few days to the last local government election in the state. …CONTINUE READING
Governor Aiyedatiwa retained only Mrs. Isaac and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN.
Speaking with vanguard in confidence, some of the commissioners, alleged that the finance commissioner, “believes they may have been behind a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning her handling of funds, including an N11.5 billion security vote, N230 million for her official vehicle, and a N1.5 billion contingency allocations for her ministry in the 2025 budget.
They alleged that the commissioner “is not only dictating key financial decisions but also orchestrating plans to fill the incoming cabinets with her loyalists.
Also, they expressed concern that the commissioner has been wielding excessive power, sidelining them and influencing their removal in order to bring in board her loyalists.
They raised the alarm that she was determined to prevent them from returning to the cabinet.
Meanwhile, a group of concerned Ilaje youths, threatened weekend to stage a protest against ” the undue influence of the commissioner in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s government.
A statement signed by legal practitioner Comrade Igbalaye Enikanselu, the youths expressed fears that “Ondo State will suffer under his administration if the situation persists.
“The life of the Governor is precious to the Ilaje race. We need to protect him and free him from the grip of the finance commissioner.
They also criticized the governor’s performance since assuming office following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
According to them “governance has stalled due to financial constraints, delays in the recruitment of teachers and health workers, despite the governor’s prior approval.
“As we speak, about 3,000 official files remain unattended to in the finance ministry, while over 1,000 files approved by the governor have not been processed due to a lack of funding from the Finance Commissioner
The youths have therefore called on Ilaje elders and political leaders “to intervene, because Governor Aiyedatiwa is being held hostage by the commissioner.
But while defending the finance commissioner, the Owo Local Government Chairman-elect, Hon. Tope Omolayo, dismissed the allegations against her describing them as baseless and illogical.
Omol ayo, in a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: Hon. Omowumi Isaac’s Commitment to Ondo State’s Progress,” Omolayo praised the commissioner’s transparency and financial management skills.
According to him “These claims are nothing more than a smear campaign against a hardworking and dedicated public servant.
Omolayo said that that “Mrs. Isaac, the first female Finance Commissioner in Ondo State, has demonstrated competence and accountability in managing the state’s finances.
“The allegations of financial mismanagement and project delays are false. She has worked closely with the governor to ensure timely completion of projects and prudent financial management.
Omolayo further urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to remain focused and not be distracted by political attacks.
“As we move forward, our collective focus should be on the development of Ondo State.
The chairman said that “We must rise above misinformation and petty politicking to ensure a prosperous future for our state.
-Source: Vanguard
