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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
As the countdown to the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State intensifies, the state government finds itself embroiled in escalating tensions over the actions of Finance Commissioner Mrs Omowumi Isaac, prompting urgent calls for intervention from local leaders.
The Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), a pro-democracy group, has made a clarion call for Ilaje leaders to step in and “rescue” Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate. They allege that Isaac’s management of financial affairs is threatening the governor’s administration and his re-election bid.
CCM’s coordinator, Comrade Adewale Kareem, voiced concerns over diminishing confidence among cabinet members, attributing it to Isaac’s reported lack of transparency and accountability. “The Governor appears helpless in the face of Madam Commissioner’s alleged high-handedness, which has led to stagnation across various ministries and projects,” Kareem stated.
The group is demanding that Isaac appear before the State House of Assembly this week to answer for her financial decisions, warning of “serious implications” if she fails to comply. “We must hold her accountable for the financial decisions affecting our state’s development,” Kareem asserted.
The agitation is particularly fueled by the alleged withholding of funds for essential ministries, leading to delays in critical projects, including renovations at the Akure Township Stadium. The situation has forced the Sunshine Football Club to relocate temporarily to Ijebu Ode due to the deteriorating conditions of their home ground, exacerbated by delays in fund disbursement for necessary upgrades.
“The Governor approved the release of funds for the stadium improvements, but the Commissioner squandered valuable time, leading to budget strains due to inflation and impacting the club’s operations,” added Kareem.
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Additionally, the group highlighted personal conflicts involving Isaac, alleging that she is engaged in disputes with fellow cabinet members, notably the Commissioners for Lands and Housing, Akogun Akinwumi Sowore, and Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe. Kareem described these conflicts as “insider sabotage” and indicative of a damaging power struggle within the government.
Further exacerbating the crisis, the CCM expressed concerns over Isaac’s use of the VIP section of the Government House, equipped with approximately 40 rooms, suggesting that this served as a method of misappropriating state funds that could be better spent on pressing needs. Additionally, it has reportedly forced visiting dignitaries to stay in hotels, draining state finances.
The group also raised alarms over what they termed “underhand financial dealings” involving Isaac and new banks since March, following a shift from the financial institutions used during the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Kareem urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to scrutinise Isaac’s operations closely.
CCM’s assertions point to a fragile relationship between the Finance Commissioner and the Governor. They described Isaac as a ‘benefactor’ for aiding in previous efforts to stave off impeachment during Aiyedatiwa’s tenure as Deputy Governor, leveraging connections within the Presidency. However, they cautioned that her past contributions should not shield her from scrutiny amidst growing concerns about the governor’s image.
The group ultimately urged the governor to consider relieving Isaac of her duties to allow for smoother governance. They emphasised the immediate need for Ilaje leaders to rally around the governor to restore stability to his administration.
“The welfare of Ondo State hangs in the balance; clarity and accountability are essential,” Kareem concluded.
