…as members pass vote of confidence in Speaker
By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
The leadership of the Ondo State House of Assembly at the weekend addressed journalists over the ongoing crisis in the House, denying allegations of financial mismanagement and insisting that the lawmakers opposed to the Speaker were acting outside legislative procedure.
Speaking at the briefing were the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji; Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu; member representing Owo Constituency I, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, and Princess Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu.
The Speaker explained that the disagreement within the House stemmed from the ongoing budget reordering process, necessitated by the state’s current financial realities. He said the government must reduce the budget to avoid salary delays and stalled projects.
“What we are doing is not personal; this is an executive bill. Our duty is to ensure the state moves forward. We cannot frustrate the government’s efforts,” he said.
Oladiji dismissed the purported vote of no confidence allegedly passed by 12 lawmakers, saying no such action took place on the floor of the House .
“A vote of no confidence must be done formally, on the floor and communicated to the Clerk. What they are doing on social media has no legality. These same members have not been attending sittings,” he stated.
Responding to allegations that ₦50 million meant for a public hearing was diverted, the Speaker dismissed the allegation, saying such a claim was politically motivated.