The political landscape of Ondo State is embroiled in a heated controversy surrounding the 2025 budget, with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leveling serious accusations of budgetary padding against the Commissioner for Finance, Omowumi Isaac. The PDP’s allegations, centered on what they perceive as exorbitant and unjustified allocations within the budget, have sparked public outcry and raised concerns about financial transparency within the state government. Key among these contentious allocations are the N11.5 billion security vote, a N250 million provision for honorarium and sitting allowances within the Ministry of Finance, and a N230 million allocation for the procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner. The PDP has vehemently called for Isaac’s immediate dismissal, portraying her as a “supposed gatekeeper of our funds” who has instead “fleeced the people’s treasury.” They have threatened further action should Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa fail to heed their demands.
The PDP’s statement, issued by Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei, not only targets Isaac but also questions the conspicuous silence of the Aiyedatiwa administration in the face of public concern. The party paints a picture of a government complicit in the alleged financial impropriety, suggesting that the silence surrounding the controversial allocations speaks volumes. The statement goes further to criticize the state’s handling of key public services, citing a “huge infrastructural deficit, a totally collapsed healthcare system, and unacceptable falling educational standards.” This backdrop of alleged mismanagement serves to amplify the PDP’s accusations against Isaac, framing them within a larger narrative of governmental failure and misplaced priorities. The party has also questioned the apparent inaction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had reportedly arrived in the state to investigate the budgetary scandal, further deepening the suspicion surrounding the matter.
In stark contrast, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently refuted the PDP’s claims, dismissing them as baseless and indicative of a fundamental misunderstanding of the budgetary process. The APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, asserts that the Commissioner for Finance plays no direct role in formulating budgetary allocations, attributing this responsibility solely to the Ministry of Budget and Planning. Otaloro defends Isaac’s record, portraying her as a “diligent and effective steward of the state’s finances, ensuring transparency and accountability.” The APC’s response seeks to shift the focus away from Isaac, emphasizing the established budgetary procedures and highlighting the Commissioner’s alleged adherence to these processes.
The APC’s defense extends to the specific budget items flagged by the PDP. They argue that the N11.5 billion security vote and the N250 million allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances are essential components of a broader budgetary strategy aimed at bolstering security and citizen welfare. The party insists that the budget details, including justifications for these allocations, are publicly accessible and can be scrutinized by anyone interested in understanding the rationale behind them. By emphasizing the availability of this information, the APC attempts to counter the PDP’s accusations of secrecy and lack of transparency, presenting the budget as an open document subject to public review. They urge the PDP to engage in constructive dialogue based on factual analysis rather than resorting to sensationalism.
This clash of narratives reveals a deep political divide within Ondo State, with the PDP and APC offering contrasting interpretations of the 2025 budget and the role of the Commissioner for Finance. The PDP’s accusations of budgetary padding and financial recklessness are met with the APC’s staunch defense of the budget and its assertion of proper procedure. The public is left to grapple with these conflicting accounts, highlighting the importance of independent scrutiny and transparent governance in ensuring accountability and public trust. The ongoing controversy underscores the critical role of budgetary processes in a functioning democracy and the potential for political maneuvering to obfuscate or exploit these processes.
This budgetary dispute also raises broader questions about the allocation of public funds and the priorities of the state government. The PDP’s criticism of the state’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems provides a critical context for understanding the public outcry over the perceived extravagance within the budget. The allocation of substantial funds for security, honorarium, and a luxury vehicle, amidst the backdrop of struggling public services, fuels the perception of misplaced priorities and strengthens the PDP’s argument against the Commissioner for Finance. The ongoing debate serves as a reminder of the constant tension between governmental spending and public needs, emphasizing the importance of responsible fiscal management and public accountability in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Ondo State.
