Politics

N11bn Security Vote: Sacked Commissioners Raise Alarm Over Their Return

Published

5 months ago

February 2, 2025

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.

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.”

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

“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)

Politics

INEC Unveils 2025-2026 Election Timetable, Resumes Voter Registration

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled a comprehensive electoral timetable for 2025 and 2026, including five major elections and the nationwide resumption of Continuous Voter Registration.

This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The electoral body, in a statement on its official X handle, said it is gearing up for a busy period, with a series of crucial polls scheduled across various states.

In the statement, the INEC Chairman said, “The five major elections highlighted in the new timetable include bye-elections in 12 states, slated for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025. Looking into 2026, the schedule includes Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8, 2026.”

Yakubu also announced the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. “Online pre-registration will commence on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration across the country from August 25, 2025. For Anambra State, ahead of its governorship election, the CVR will begin earlier, next week, and will be conducted simultaneously in all 326 wards to ensure the compilation of a new voters’ register at least 90 days before the election, as required by law”, he said.

During the meeting, Yakubu welcomed two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six recently sworn-in RECs attending the meeting for the first time.

He emphasised the critical role of RECs in election management, urging them to proactively implement policy and procedural issues without constant prompting from the Headquarters.

Addressing concerns regarding the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results, the INEC Chairman stated that the Commission is working on a supplementary regulation and guidelines to provide clarity.

He assured that this document would be uploaded to INEC’s official platforms for public information as early as this week.

“I wish to remind you that your work does not begin as the General Election approaches. You are full-time Commissioners,” Professor Yakubu remarked, underscoring the continuous nature of electoral duties and the need for sustained commitment from all officials.

“You can only effectively discharge your responsibilities when you are knowledgeable and committed”, he said.

The meeting, which followed extensive consultations with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and election security agencies, aimed to address key issues arising from these engagements and strategise for improved electoral service delivery across Nigeria.

Politics

JUST IN: NEC Reinstates Anyanwu As PDP National Secretary

Published

24 hours ago

June 30, 2025

Editor

The 100th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary.

Speaking to journalists after the NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, announced that Anyanwu has been officially reinstated.

Damagum further revealed that the 101st NEC meeting has been scheduled for July 23 to finalise arrangements for the upcoming national convention.

Details shortly…