Ondo State Government has debunked the reported tension between the executive and the assembly.
In a statement posted on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on the WhatsApp platform of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, the government “resolutely dismissed recent media reports suggesting a rift between the executive and legislative branches, reaffirming that their relationship is both harmonious and collaborative.”
The statement was posted shortly after the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, praised the state’s House of Assembly “for rejecting a N487,437 billion supplementary budget proposal by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,”
Here is the government’s full statement titled “Ondo State Attorney General Responds to Allegations of Tension Between the Executive and the House of Assembly.”
“The Ondo State Government has resolutely dismissed recent media reports suggesting a rift between the executive and legislative branches, reaffirming that their relationship is both harmonious and collaborative.
“In an official statement, the Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, clarified that the House of Assembly’s invitation to the Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, was a routine constitutional procedure and should not be misconstrued as a sign of discord between the two arms of government.
“The Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, was engaged in an official trip outside the state due to her demanding schedule. It is crucial to recognize her extensive responsibilities, which include attending various statutory meetings such as RAMFAC, the Commissioners of Finance Meeting, and numerous discussions on investment, economics, and finance.
“In light of this, she promptly addressed the Assembly’s invitation by sending the Permanent Secretary—who is the most senior official and accounting officer in her ministry—to communicate her circumstances,” the Attorney General explained.
“Furthermore, it is important to commend the vibrancy, discernment, and commitment of our House of Assembly, led by the Rt. Honourable Oladiji, for their pivotal role in the development of the state.
“The Attorney General emphasized the effective partnership between the executive and legislative branches in their shared mission to serve the people of Ondo State. Ongoing discussions regarding the 2024 supplementary budget are focused on promoting good governance and ensuring responsible allocation of resources.”
PDP commends Ondo assembly for rejecting Aiyedatiwa’s N487.437b supplementary budget
