We appropriated for N4.3b in 2019 budget –ODSG

The Ondo state government declared yesterday that the uncovered N4.3bn hidden in a commercial bank account for over 10 years was appropriated for in the 2019 budget, following the outcry generated by the discovery of the hidden fund in the bank.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa stated this in a statement in Akure

Akinterinwa said there was nothing to hide about the fund discovered in 2018 and lies peddled by mischief makers that there was no appropriation for the money in question.

He said “ The Executive is not hiding anything like we have always said. The narrative set out by mischief makers is that there was no appropriation for the money in question. This is untrue.

“The 2019 appropriation passed by the Assembly included among others, this N4.3b under overall summary of the budget, item on Cash reserve/roll over fund is very apt and unambiguous for the public to confirm the truth. The story of non appropriation is utterly mischievous. “

Akinterinwa insisted that the N4.3bn was in the 2019 appropriation bill passed by the Assembly and signed into law by Governor Akeredolu.

It was not the House that discovered the fund but was contained in the Auditor General report of 2018. Committees were put in place not more than six months ago.

“Emerging facts showed it was captured in the 2019 budget or 2018 Supplementary budget.

“The money was properly appropriated for in 2019. It was passed by the past Assembly.”