By Allen Sowore, Esq.
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 further called for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Isaac Omowumi.
Unfortunately, Mr. Peretei has been regarded as one of the few respected opposition voices in the state. However, his latest claim falls short of public expectations. One would have hoped for objective criticism in the state’s best interest, but, like a virus, the PDP seems to have a knack for corrupting even sound judgment.
Nevertheless, since Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is known for his all-inclusive, responsive, and responsible governance, I feel obligated to address the false allegations in this ill-advised press release to prevent the public from being misled by the PDP’s mischief.
Allegation of N11.5 Billion Security Vote in the Ministry of Finance
It has been 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 budgets from 2007 to 2013—when the PDP was in power—shows that the same method was used.
For instance, 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 for those years. These allocations are categorized as “state-wide votes,” not exclusive allocations to the Ministry of Finance, as the PDP misleadingly suggests.
Allegation of N250 Million for Honorarium and Sitting Allowances
Once again, this falls under the state-wide vote system, as explained earlier. A budget is generally defined as a “statement of intention.” The government makes provisions for all allowances—sitting, travel, and other expenses—for members of committees, panels of inquiry, or commissions that may be established within the fiscal year.
Allegation of N230 Million for the Procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance
This claim has two aspects: the price and the justification for acquiring a utility vehicle for the ministry/commissioner.
First, the budget is merely an estimate. The government is bound by the state’s procurement laws and will not purchase a vehicle above its market value. Since no vehicle has been purchased yet, dwelling on estimated figures is unnecessary.
Second, regarding justification, the key question is: Have commissioners in Ondo State previously used SUVs as official vehicles? The answer is an unequivocal yes.
During past administrations, commissioners were provided with utility vehicles based on their ministry’s operational needs. For instance, under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s tenure, the then-Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, Engr. Clement Faboyede (Fabo), along with three other commissioners, received brand-new Toyota Fortuner SUVs as official vehicles.
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is directly responsible for coordinating budget preparation, while the legislature scrutinizes and passes it. How, then, can a single individual be declared guilty as charged? This is nothing but pure mischief.
Even assuming, without conceding, that there was an issue with the budgeting process, how can one individual be singled out for an alleged infraction when budgeting involves multiple stakeholders—the bureaucracy, the legislature, and other critical institutions? This is a question of fairness and objectivity.
It is, therefore, hypocritical and deceptive for PDP members—who established these budgetary practices—to now turn around and criticize them. Their claims amount to nothing more than mischief, falsehoods, and propaganda.
Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication
February 11, 2025
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