The Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, appeared before the State Assembly on Thursday to defend and explain the performance of the 2024 appropriation law signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Isaac, who appeared at the Assembly, told the lawmakers that she did not shun the lawmakers’ invitation but explained that she was out of the state for an official assignment.
Isaac explained to the lawmakers the performance of the state budget, justifying the need for a supplementary budget
While speaking, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Strategic Communications, Mr Allen Sowore, said the commissioner did not shun the Assembly as expressed in several media but was out of the state for an official assignment.
The Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo SAN, defended the absence of his counterpart in the finance ministry, saying she did not shun the invitation but was out of the state for official duties
Sowore, in a statement, commended the intervention of Ajulo as the legal officer of the state in defending the finance commissioner.
He said Ajulo performed his duty as the chief legal adviser to the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary as well
oversees the dispensation of justice irrespective of status or political affiliation.
Pointedly, Sowore said the Commissioner of Finance did not shun or reject the Assembly’s invitation. She was engaged in a state assignment outside the state.
According to him, “Upon her return, and as pontificated by the Attorney General, Mrs. Isaac appeared before the House of Assembly on Thursday in response to the summons. The lawmakers met with her on Tuesday during a parliamentary session at the Assembly complex in Akure.
“Commendably, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Chief Olatunji Oshati, addressed journalists shortly after the meeting, expressing the lawmakers’ satisfaction with her responses.
“He explained that the House deemed it necessary to invite the Commissioner to clarify aspects of the amended 2024 appropriation law.
“Oshati further emphasised that the three arms of government would continue to work in harmony for the overall development of the state.
“After all, the synergy and cooperation among the three arms of government are for the benefit of the citizens. The House noted that her responses and analysis were thorough in addressing the grey areas of the 2024 appropriation law.
“During this brief yet challenging period, the Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and the Finance Commissioner, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, a Chartered Accountant, have risen to the occasion and demonstrated exemplary leadership.
“It is often said that loyalty in politics must be unwavering and absolute. Therefore, those within the system who seek to subvert or sabotage it for personal gain should consider the consequences of their actions.
“What should be paramount now is ensuring the success and triumph of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration, as it remains committed to improving the lives of the people and setting a lasting standard for the future.”
It will be recalled that the House of Assembly last Thursday threatened to issue a warrant of arrest if the commissioner refused to honour its invitation to explain the financial transactions of the state.
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