Group urges Commissioner to honour Ondo Assembly invitation

A pro-democracy group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens Movement has advised the Ondo state Commissioner Finance Commissioner, Mrs Omowumi Isaac to honour the invitation of the State House of Assembly in defence of the various allegations levelled against her office

This is as it called for the intervention of Ilaje Leaders in the rescue mission of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who doubles as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state from the clutches of alleged financial mismanagement that could jeopardise his administration and election.

The group had in a statement by its coordinator, Comrade Adewale Kareem, drew attention to a growing crisis of confidence among cabinet members, being fueled by the purported lack of transparency and accountability in managing the state’s financial affairs.

He said, “We must hold the leadership of the Ministry of Finance accountable for the financial decisions affecting our state’s development.

“Among the pressing issues is the non-release of funds earmarked for essential ministries, which has resulted in widespread delays, including obstruction of contracts with completed work and ongoing projects.”

The Ministry was accused of withholding funds due to other ministries,—an act that Kareem described as “insider sabotage and a disturbing power struggle.

This development, according to the statement has affected some of the ongoing projects in the state, notably, the renovations at Akure Township Stadium. The Sunshine Football Club has been forced to temporarily relocate to Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, due to the inadequate condition of their home ground, a situation compounded by delayed release of funds for necessary improvements.

“The Governor was said to have ordered the release of money for the stadium upgrade, but the Ministry squandered valuable time, and inflation set in, affecting both the contractor’s budget and the club’s operations,” added Kareem.

The CCM’s claims did not end there. The group also expressed concern over Isaac occupying the VIP Section of the Government House, which is equipped with about 40 rooms. The group alleged that the action was an effective way of siphoning funds that should be allocated to more pressing state needs.

The current arrangement, as gathered, has been forcing visiting dignitaries to the state to lodge in hotels, which has been draining state finances further.

The group’s painted a picture of a Finance Ministry being entrenched in a purported financial misconduct, contending that Isaac has engaged in “underhand financial dealings” with bank officials since March of this year, particularly as new banks have replaced the financial institutions used during the administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) must scrutinise the activities of the Ministry along with the new banks.

“The welfare of Ondo State hangs in the balance, and we need clarity and accountability,” Kareem said.

However, the group cautioned that those past contributions do not provide immunity from scrutiny, especially when the image of the governor is at stake.

“Alternatively, the Governor should not only relieve her of that powerful position but should equally find means of compensating her and allow the cause of governance to run seamlessly because a woman who is ‘fighting’ everybody including governor’s appointees; civil servants; tax collectors in IGR; and even the contractors, does not mean well for the state and should therefore be asked to take a back seat forthwith,” the group counseled.

The CCM also enjoined the Ilaje leadership to take urgent action towards rallying around the Governor to ensure that he could operate with a semblance of stability and support.

“It is imperative for our community, especially considering the fact that the governor hails from Ilaje. The Ilaje leaders should step up and back him against what appears to be an internal administrative crisis,” Kareem said.

The group also cautioned that as the election looms ever closer, the stakes are higher than ever; and failure to address the structural issues would be a risk, not only to Aiyedatiwa administration, also the broader interests of the citizens of Ondo State.

The revelation of internal strife and allegations of financial misconduct, according to CCM, has unveiled a precarious situation for the governor and his cabinet. The group warned that the narrative of progress could quickly devolve into a saga of scandal unless addressed with urgency and transparency.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

PDP blasts Fubara, says he rejected offer to control Rivers structure