As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, tensions are escalating within the state government, centering on the alleged controversial actions of the State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac.
The development has made a pro-democracy group, the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) to take a bold stance this week, urging Ilaje leaders and elders to intervene to ‘rescue’ their son, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who doubles as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, from the issues that could jeopardise his administration and election on November 16, 2024.
The CCM’s outcry, articulated by its coordinator, Comrade Adewale Kareem, drew attention to a growing crisis of confidence among cabinet members, being fueled by alleged Isaac’s poor attitude to governance in the state.
According to Kareem, “the Governor seems helpless against the alleged high-handedness of Madam Commissioner, leading to stagnation in various ministries and ongoing projects across the state.”
The group has publicly called for the Finance Commissioner to appear before the State House of Assembly this week, warning of severe implications should she refuse to clear various financial issues.
“We must hold her accountable for the financial decisions affecting our state’s development,” Kareem asserted.
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 Finance Commissioner was accused of withholding funds due to various ministries,—an act that Kareem described as “insider sabotage and a disturbing power struggle.
“How can a single individual repeatedly create problems for her colleagues? Does a disagreement have to sour relationships to this degree? It is counterproductive and harmful.”
As gathered, the situation has worsened for various projects such as; delay in the recruitment of new teachers, untimely release of WAEC Exam fund causing withholding of students result in the State recently; also delay in the renovations of 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 had ordered the release of money for the stadium upgrade, but the Commissioner squandered valuable time, and inflation set in, affecting both the contractor’s budget and the club’s operations,” added Kareem.
Workers are currently unhappy with the Finance Commissioner over the delay in the payment of their 2024 leave bonus, which the governor was said have approved for weeks.
“Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) must scrutinize Mrs. Isaac’s activities,” Kareem urged.
“The welfare of Ondo State hangs in the balance, and we need clarity and accountability.”
Adding to the unease is the perceived fragile relationship between Isaac and the Governor. The CCM described her as a ‘benefactor’ for her role in thwarting previous attempts to impeach Aiyedatiwa during his tenure as Deputy Governor, leveraging her connections in the Presidency for support.
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,” implored Kareem.
The Ondo State government is at a precipice, he confinued, saying with inquiries into the Finance Commissioner’s conduct, spotlighting critical issues of governance and accountability.
The group also cautioned that as the election is getting closer, the stakes are higher than ever; and failure to address the structural issues would be a risk, not only to Aiyedatiwa’s administration, also the broader interests of the citizens of Ondo State.
The group warned that the narrative of progress could quickly devolve into a saga of scandal unless addressed with urgency.
The CCM stated further that all eyes would remain fixed on Ondo state as the pressure mounts for accountability and a resolution to the unfolding drama.
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