Ondo Assembly Steps Down Debate On Supplementary Appropriation Bill, As Commissioner Shuns Invitation

By Ayodele Oni

Lack of communication between the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Executive Arm has stalled further debate on the 2024 Supplementary Budget submitted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the Assembly.

The Assembly on Thursday refused to present the bill for the supplementary appropriation for debate for second reading following the absence of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac at the plenary despite being summoned by the Assembly.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had presented a bill to the Assembly to amend the 2024 appropriation bill and authorize the issuance from the consolidated revenue fund of the state a sum of #487,437 billion.

Out of the fund, a sum of N246,198 is for recurrent expenditure while the balance of N241,239 is for capital expenditure for the services of the state until the end of the year.

The Assembly had summoned the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, to explain the performance of the 2024 appropriation law signed into law before it could consider the supplementary budget.

The Commissioner, however refused to honour the invitation, but sent a letter through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. A.O Akinseloyin stating the inability of the Commissioner to appear before the lawmakers. The letter was read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Benjamin Jayeola.

At this point, the lawmakers vowed not pass the bill for a second reading until the Commissioner appears before the Assembly.

Lawmakers that reacted to the absence of the commissioner said The bill should be stepped down till when the commissioner will show up.

Felix Afe, representing Akoko Northwest constituency, said the letter is an affront to the people of Ondo State. He said the invitation letter was not addressed to the Permanent Secretary but to the Commissioner.

“The letter did not state where the Commissioner for Finance went to, and when she would come back. We want her to tell us the performance of the budget for 2024.

“Without the appearance of the Commissioner for Finance, we should step it down. If she does not show up next time, the assembly should issue a bench warrant against her.”

In his ruling, the Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji said the supplementary budget should be stepped down until the commissioner appears before the lawmakers to defend it.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the Assembly to write another letter for the commissioner to appear before the lawmakers. He fixed October 17 for the appearance of the Commissioner.

According to him, her failure,  may lead to further action.