On February 10, 2025, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, released a press statement alleging that the duly prepared, passed, and signed 2025 budget of Ondo State was padded. The statement also called for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Isaac Omowumi.
Given Mr. Peretei’s reputation as a respected opposition voice in the state, one would have expected objective and constructive criticism. Unfortunately, his latest claims fall short of public expectations. It appears the PDP has once again resorted to misleading the public, prioritizing political propaganda over factual analysis.
However, in the spirit of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance, I find it necessary to address these false allegations to prevent misinformation from taking root.
The N11.5 Billion Security Vote: A Misplaced Allegation
It is a long-standing budgetary tradition in Ondo State to domicile contingency funds, security votes, committee and commission expenses, and honorariums under the Ministry of Finance. A review of past budgets from 2007 to 2013—during the PDP’s time in power—reveals that the same practice was followed.
For example, in 2007, 2012, and 2013, the subheads “Contingency,” “Security Vote,” “Committee and Commission,” and “Honorarium” appeared on pages 368, 399, and 405, respectively, of the approved budgets. These allocations are categorized as “state-wide votes” rather than exclusive allocations to the Ministry of Finance, contrary to the PDP’s misleading claims.
N250 Million for Honorarium and Sitting Allowances: A Standard Provision
Once again, this falls under the state-wide vote system. A budget is essentially a “statement of intention,” meaning provisions are made for allowances—including sitting, travel, and other expenses—for committees, panels of inquiry, or commissions that may be set up during the fiscal year.
The Toyota Prado SUV Controversy: A False Narrative
The PDP’s claim regarding the allocation of N230 million for the procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance has two key aspects: the price and the necessity of the vehicle.
Firstly, the budget is merely an estimate, and the government is bound by Ondo State’s procurement laws. No vehicle has been purchased yet, so focusing on estimated figures is unnecessary.
Secondly, official vehicles for commissioners are not a new phenomenon in Ondo State. Under past administrations, including that of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, commissioners were provided with SUVs based on their ministry’s operational needs. For instance, Engr. Clement Faboyede, the then-Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, along with three others, received brand-new Toyota Fortuner SUVs as official vehicles.
Budgeting is a Collective Process, Not an Individual Affair
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning coordinates budget preparation, while the legislature thoroughly scrutinizes and passes it. It is, therefore, misleading to single out one individual for an alleged infraction in a process that involves multiple stakeholders, including the bureaucracy and legislative arms of government.
Even if, for argument’s sake, there were concerns about the budgeting process, fairness and objectivity demand that blame not be laid solely on one person. As Allen Sowore, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communication, rightly pointed out, the PDP’s claims are not just misleading but hypocritical, considering that these same budgetary practices were established under its own administration.
It is, therefore, clear that this latest attack on the 2025 budget is driven more by political mischief than by any genuine concern for transparency or good governance. The people of Ondo State deserve better than this brand of destructive criticism.
