EFCC set to investigate Ondo Speaker over 2025 budget, N200m phone allocation

There are growing indications that the leadership of the Ondo State Assembly may soon face questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the passage of the state’s 2025 budget, particularly the controversial N11.5 billion allocated for the Finance Ministry as a security vote.

Reports suggest that EFCC personnel have arrived in Ondo to verify budget details, with a focus on the large allocation for the Ministry of Finance.

The inclusion of N11.5 billion for security in the budget has sparked concerns over financial transparency and accountability in the state’s government.

Additionally, the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Finance includes an allocation of N250 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, and N1.5 billion for contingencies.

These provisions have added to the mounting questions about the state’s fiscal management.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa presented the original budget of N655 billion on December 10, 2024, which was later increased by N43.4 billion, bringing the total budget to N698 billion after approval by the Assembly.

The Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of the N11.5 billion security vote.

In a statement, NACN’s National President, Comrade Mike Aderosoye, described the allocation as an “affront to the sensibilities of Ondo State citizens,” accusing the governor and his officials of mismanaging public resources for personal gain.

“It is unacceptable for a commissioner, who reports to the governor, to appropriate a security vote when the governor already receives one,” Aderosoye said, urging the EFCC to investigate thoroughly and not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet.

The group also called for the N11.5 billion to be redirected to development projects such as roads, healthcare, and education to benefit the people of Ondo State.

A senior civil servant, speaking anonymously, referred to the allocation as “strange” and questioned its purpose.

An EFCC source confirmed that the agency is investigating whether such an allocation has ever been made in previous budgets.

In addition to the security vote controversy, there has been public outcry over the N200 million allocated to the entire Assembly for phone calls, with N280,000 earmarked for the Speaker’s phone usage in the fiscal year. Many have criticized these expenses as a misallocation of resources, especially when basic infrastructure and education in the state’s constituencies remain underdeveloped.

Civil servants expressed dismay at the priorities of the Assembly, highlighting that the state has been lagging in infrastructure development, particularly in the southwest. “It’s a pity that the Assembly members are focused on sharing the people’s wealth instead of fighting for progress in their constituencies,” said one civil servant.

Attempts to reach Finance Commissioner R.S. Omowunmi Isaac for comment were unsuccessful.

However, a senior officer in the ministry stated that the allocation had undergone thorough scrutiny and was approved by the Assembly, dismissing concerns as unnecessary.

Similarly, efforts to speak with Speaker Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji were unfruitful.

However, a lawmaker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed confidence in the integrity of the Assembly members.

“We have nothing to hide. The budget is a public document, and we’ll cooperate with the EFCC in their investigation,” the lawmaker said.