Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has defended the allocation of N11.5 billion as a security vote and N250 million as a sitting allowance for the Ministry of Finance in the state’s 2025 budget, describing them as standard practices.
Responding to criticisms from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aiyedatiwa, through his Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, argued that similar budgetary provisions existed during the PDP-led administration in the state.
He stated that the sitting allowance would cover ministry meetings throughout the fiscal year and criticized the PDP for condemning a practice they once implemented.
“It is hypocritical for PDP members, who established these budgetary traditions, to now criticize the current government,” the governor said.
He further explained that contingency funds, security votes, committee expenses, and honorariums have historically been allocated under the Ministry of Finance, citing budgetary practices from 2007 to 2013 under PDP rule.
Addressing concerns over alleged budget padding, Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the budget is only an estimate and that all expenditures, including vehicle purchases, would comply with state procurement laws.
