The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called for the removal of the state Commissioner for Finance, Omowumi Isaac, over alleged padding of the 2025 budget.

Isaac and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, are the only two commissioners remaining in the State Executive Council after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently dismissed others.

In a statement released on Monday, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, accused Isaac of abusing her office, citing irregularities in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

?The Ondo State 2025 Appropriation Act contains some scandalous items in the office of the Commissioner for Finance that have been the subject of public agitation in the last two weeks. The Lucky Aiyedatiwa government has maintained such a deafening silence and complicity that tongues are wagging over whether there is more to it than meets the eye,? the statement read.

?The N11.5 billion security vote allocated to the Ministry of Finance in the 2025 approved budget has not been explained to the people of the state, despite public outcry. The provision of N250 million as an honorarium and sitting allowance in the Ministry of Finance is another padded item in the budget for the commissioner?s enjoyment and pleasure. Perhaps the most insensitive of the items is the procurement of one Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance at a princely sum of N230 million.?

The PDP insisted that Isaac must be sacked immediately, stating, ?In view of the above budgetary allocations, the Peoples Democratic Party, Ondo State chapter, believes that Mrs Omowumi Isaac, the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, must be sacked immediately for criminally abusing her office. Her claim of being a UK-trained accountant falls flat if all she can do is fleece the people?s treasury?the supposed gatekeeper of our funds.?

The party further warned Aiyedatiwa that failure to dismiss the commissioner would prompt further action.

?If the governor fails to relieve the commissioner of her duties, having failed the people of the Sunshine State, steps will be taken to prove that what is at stake is the people?s funds,? the PDP stated.

The party also questioned the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the matter, saying, ?Whatever happened to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission team that arrived in the state in the wake of the 2025 budget scandal is inexplicable. A government that presides over a huge infrastructural deficit, a totally collapsed healthcare system, and unacceptable falling educational standards can ill afford the financial recklessness of the commissioner for finance.?

However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the PDP?s allegations, accusing the opposition party of lacking an understanding of the budgetary process.

?The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter, categorically rejects the unfounded allegations made by the PDP regarding the integrity of Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, the Commissioner for Finance. The assertions presented by the PDP are not only misleading but also demonstrate a troubling lack of understanding of the budgetary process and the responsibilities of government officials,? the party?s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, stated.

?It is essential to clarify that the preparation and presentation of the state budget is the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Budget and Planning. Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, as the Commissioner for Finance, plays no role in the direct formulation of budgetary allocations, and any insinuation that she has padded the 2025 budget is entirely false. The APC stands firmly behind Mrs Omowunmi, who has been a diligent and effective steward of the state?s finances, ensuring transparency and accountability.?

Otaloro also defended the controversial budget items, stating, ?The claims regarding specific budget items, including the N11.5 billion security vote and the N250 million allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances, require context that the PDP has chosen to ignore.

?These allocations are part of a comprehensive budgetary framework designed to enhance the security and welfare of our citizens. The details of the budget, including justifications for these allocations, are publicly available and can be reviewed by any interested party.?

The APC urged the PDP to focus on factual discussions rather than ?sensationalism.? (The PUNCH)

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