A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olumide Aderinokun, has asked members of the Ogun State House of Assembly to summon Governor Dapo Abiodun “for meddling with their constituency projects funds”.
TrackNews Online reports that the Ogun House of Assembly marked its second year anniversary on Tuesday, but the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo confirmed that they have not embarked on any constituency projects due to the refusal of Gov Abiodun to release money to the lawmakers.
Oluomo said the lawmakers have not been given any money since they assumed office two years ago for constituency projects.
According to him, the state government had told them to hold on with their constituency projects, saying “ we understand the government.”
On Tuesday, the legislators begged Abiodun to release their constituency project allowances after two years.
But, reacting in a statement made available to TrackNews Online by his media aide, Taiye Taiwo, Aderinokun blamed the lawmakers for failing to act as an independent arm of the government in demanding what belongs to them.
He said the legislative members know what to do in this situation, saying “they might be reluctant due to partisanship.”
He decried the refusal of Abiodun to release funds for constituency projects as budgeted.
The Owu chief added that the governor should not use legislative budget provisions for executive functions.
The PDP leader charged the lawmakers to invite Gov Abiodun, asking them to “stop crying ”.
The statement reads,
“Every arm of government, including the Ministries, Department and Agencies have their budget which is expected to guide them for a financial year. So, once it is approved, funds should be released.
“It is a shame on the government that lawmakers do not get constituency project allowances after two years. It is not possible to use the legislative budget for executive function. There is a provision for it and it has been approved, so the governor has no business with it other than to release the funds.
“The lawmakers have the power to summon the Governor. Have they done that yet? The lawmakers might be loyal to Abiodun because of party politics so they should stop crying and take steps, the ball is in their court.”
