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N11bn Security Vote: Sacked Commissioners Raise Alarm Over Their Return

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Some sacked commissioners in Ondo state, have alleged plan by one of the retained members of the cabinet, the finance commissioner, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, to bring in her loyalists.

They also, kicked against her perceived influence in the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Recall that governor Aiyedatiwa sacked the commissioners and other cabinet members few days to the last local government election in the state.

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Governor Aiyedatiwa retained only Mrs. Isaac and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN.

Speaking with vanguard in confidence, some of the commissioners, alleged that the finance commissioner, “believes they may have been behind a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning her handling of funds, including an N11.5 billion security vote, N230 million for her official vehicle, and a N1.5 billion contingency allocations for her ministry in the 2025 budget.”

READ ALSO: PDP Withdraws From Ondo LG Polls

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They alleged that the commissioner “is not only dictating key financial decisions but also orchestrating plans to fill the incoming cabinets with her loyalists.

Also, they expressed concern that the commissioner has been wielding excessive power, sidelining them and influencing their removal in order to bring in board her loyalists.

They raised the alarm that she was determined to prevent them from returning to the cabinet.

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Meanwhile, a group of concerned Ilaje youths, threatened weekend to stage a protest against ” the undue influence of the commissioner in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s government.

A statement signed by legal practitioner Comrade Igbalaye Enikanselu, the youths expressed fears that “Ondo State will suffer under his administration if the situation persists.

READ ALSO: Ondo Man Kills 14-year-old Son Over Alleged Criminal Activities

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The life of the Governor is precious to the Ilaje race. We need to protect him and free him from the grip of the finance commissioner.”

They also criticized the governor’s performance since assuming office following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

According to them “governance has stalled due to financial constraints, delays in the recruitment of teachers and health workers, despite the governor’s prior approval.

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“As we speak, about 3,000 official files remain unattended to in the finance ministry, while over 1,000 files approved by the governor have not been processed due to a lack of funding from the Finance Commissioner.”

The youths have therefore called on Ilaje elders and political leaders “to intervene, because Governor Aiyedatiwa is being held hostage by the commissioner.”

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo Governorship Election By Landslide

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But while defending the finance commissioner, the Owo Local Government Chairman-elect, Hon. Tope Omolayo, dismissed the allegations against her describing them as baseless and illogical.

Omolayo, in a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: Hon. Omowumi Isaac’s Commitment to Ondo State’s Progress,” Omolayo praised the commissioner’s transparency and financial management skills.

According to him “These claims are nothing more than a smear campaign against a hardworking and dedicated public servant.”

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Omolayo said that that “Mrs. Isaac, the first female Finance Commissioner in Ondo State, has demonstrated competence and accountability in managing the state’s finances.

“The allegations of financial mismanagement and project delays are false. She has worked closely with the governor to ensure timely completion of projects and prudent financial management.”

Omolayo further urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to remain focused and not be distracted by political attacks.

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As we move forward, our collective focus should be on the development of Ondo State.”

The chairman said that “We must rise above misinformation and petty politicking to ensure a prosperous future for our state.”
(VANGUARD)

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Fubara Sacks Commissioners, Others

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration.

The decision, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, takes immediate effect and followed the recent Supreme Court judgment.

The governor, during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at Government House, Port Harcourt, thanked the outgoing officials for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.

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The statement read in part, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

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“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”

Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the state “with renewed vigour,” while expressing gratitude to Rivers people for their support and wishing Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

READ ALSO:Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Fubara

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Recall that the immediate past administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), upon assumption of office during the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara. Ibas also dissolved boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met in office.

Since Ibas exited the state on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s appointees had remained uncertain. The Rivers State House of Assembly, at its first sitting after the lifting of the emergency rule, had called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees for screening, alongside the 2025 budget for passage.

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2027: Crisis Rocks Kaduna ADC Over Power Tussle

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The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is enmeshed in crisis as a fierce power struggle among leading figures threatens the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

ADC stalwart, Malam Salihu Lukman, raised the alarm on Wednesday, warning that the party may not make a meaningful impact at the polls if the internal rift persists.

In a statement, Lukman alleged that some party leaders have aligned with certain aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections to the exclusion of others.

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He called on former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Malam Jaafaru Sani, Alhaji Bashir Saidu, and other opposition leaders in the state to halt what he described as “the madness” of candidates bent on hijacking party structures.

READ ALSO:Ex-Tinubu Campaign Coordinator Resigns From APC

According to him, “anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.”

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Expressing concern over the infighting, Lukman said his efforts to mediate had largely failed.

“The fact that Senator Musa Bello is aggressively seeking to control structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure, largely because I am associated with him.

“Senator Lawal Adamu (Mr. La) has avoided all my requests to meet him. I have met Malam Jaafaru Sani on this matter and had discussions with Malam Nasir. Sadly, we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem.”

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READ ALSO:Why APC Candidates Contested 2023 LG Election Despite Intimidation — State Chairman

Lukman stressed that he has no political ambition but remains committed to building a united front. “As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

“May I therefore appeal to Malam Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we can unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027. We must bear in mind that it is not just about defeating APC but about producing a government controlled by our party based on collective leadership.

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“We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as governors. Anything short of a government managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.”

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Ondo PDP Spokesperson Resigns, Gives Reason

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The Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Mr Leye Igbabo, has resigned from his position, citing an unfriendly and hostile environment.

Igbabo’s resignation letter was addressed to the state secretariat of the party and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Akure.

He alleged that the working environment has become “hostile” to him, hence the need for him to resign.

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“It is disheartening to know that the secretariat has become hostile to me, and this is affecting the effectiveness and efficiency of my duties as the Director of Media and Publicity.

READ ALSO:2027: Presidency’s Attack On Jonathan Shows Fear Of PDP, Says Zamfara PDP

“I note with pain, utter deceit, huge compromise, and gross indiscipline that there is no more sincerity of purpose, and under such circumstances, I do not want to be labelled as an incompetent official.

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“My continuously staying in such an unproductive environment amounts to a precious waste of my time and energy.

“I, therefore, resign my appointment as the Director of Media and Publicity of PDP in Ondo State with immediate effect,” he said.

(NAN)

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