ICPC and EFCC Investigate Ondo State's N7.3 Billion Contingency Spending.

ICPC and EFCC Investigate Ondo State's N7.3 Billion Contingency Spending. 

In a covert operation, the ICPC and EFCC have intensively questioned the Accountant General of Ondo State over alleged misappropriation of funds. The focus is on the approval of over N7.3 billion for "contingency" between July and September 2023, as disclosed by a leaked copy of the state's budget performance report obtained by SaharaReporters.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who gave the nod for the substantial expenditure, was reportedly on medical leave in Germany at the time. The budget report, titled "Ondo State Third Quarter (July - September) 2023 Budget Performance," posted on the state government's website, unveiled that the government exceeded the approved budget by a staggering N7,100,005,150.58 for "contingency."

Despite calls and messages directed to Olatunde Olabode Richard, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, there has been no explanation for the excessive spending.

A lawmaker, speaking anonymously, asserted that Akeredolu's actions might constitute impeachable offenses, citing a violation of the state's appropriation law. The spending without the approval of the State Assembly is deemed extra-budgetary and illegal, according to the lawmaker.

Governor Akeredolu, who returned from a three-month medical leave in Germany in September, has been governing the state from his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. Notably, there has been no State Executive Council meeting since his return, raising concerns about the governance structure in Ondo State.

A source had earlier reported that Governor Akeredolu is battling leukemia, a form of blood cancer. This revelation has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, as the governor's health condition might impact the legal proceedings.

While the investigation progresses, it's worth noting that the Governor and the Deputy Governor are currently shielded from arrest due to their immunity as elected officials. However, the unfolding events promise to have significant implications for the political landscape in Ondo State.

Source: Concord Imperial news