The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the recently signed 2025 budget, labeling it a “Budget of Looting.” Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa signed the N698.66 billion appropriation bill into law last week, a week after it was passed by the state House of Assembly. The budget allocates N265.04 billion for recurrent expenditure and N433.62 billion for capital expenditure.
The opposition party specifically criticized the allocation of N11.5 billion to the Ministry of Finance as a ‘security vote,’ questioning its purpose in a ministry other than the office of the governor. The PDP also highlighted other questionable allocations, including N200 million for House of Assembly members and N280 million for the Speaker’s phone expenses.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, the PDP accused the government of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the state’s citizens, particularly in critical sectors such as Education and Healthcare. The Ministry of Education was allocated only N77.02 billion, while the Ministry of Health received N46.02 billion.
“The allocation to these ministries is inadequate and reflects the administration’s neglect of essential services,” the PDP statement read. “This is a blatant move to deplete the state’s treasury rather than invest in its development.”
The PDP has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the budget and the allegations of financial mismanagement.
In response, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the accusations, calling them a misrepresentation. Mr. Steve Otaloro, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, stated that the claims of “looting” were a smear campaign by the opposition, stemming from their bitterness over losing the last governorship election.
“The 2025 budget is a strategic plan designed to foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance citizens’ well-being,” Otaloro said. “The allocations to various ministries are transparent and aligned with the state’s development priorities.”
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