The 13 percent oil derivation, subsidy, and SURE-P refunds received from the Federation Account over the past two years have been confirmed by the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
The state used the refunds it received to fund capital projects and pay off accrued salary arrears, according to a statement from Richard Olatunde, the governor’s chief press secretary.
Additionally, the declaration distanced Governor Akeredolu from those who are alleged to have stolen money from the Federation Account Allocation Committee intended for the Local Governments.
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The statement claims that the returns from the federal government were wisely spent on a few significant capital projects spread out throughout the state’s three senatorial districts.
The 32.6 km Araromi-Alape road in Ilaje Local Government Area, the 16.65 km Ikaramu-Akunnu-chainage 7-Oke Agbe Road in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, the 4.5 km Agadagba Obon-New Ajapa Road in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, and the 3.0 km Oke Igbo Township roads in Ile-Oluji/
Over 35 kilometers of the road network in Akure, the state capital, are now being rehabilitated, according to the governor. The roads that are being renovated were previously constructed by previous administrations, and they are already in poor condition with potholes and broken portions. The 15.2 km Akure phase “D” road network repair as well as the 9.5 km Emure-Iporo Road have all started.
“Governor Akeredolu’s dedication to infrastructure development is further demonstrated by the 10 km Okitipupa-Igbokoda virgin road, which will be officially opened by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. These reimbursements and internally generated revenue are used to support these expensive capital projects.
“As decided by Labour Leaders at the monthly meetings presided over by the Head of Service and Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, the monthly FAAC proceeds are used to pay wages and pensions (JNC).
“Despite Governor Akeredolu’s promise to always pay wages and pensions when they are due, the financial crisis in the country brought on by the Covid-19 epidemic led to the nonpayment of salary in full for a number of months. The government owed four months’ worth of unpaid salaries as of January 2022, compared to the seven months that were inherited.
“Governor Akeredolu has continued to pay off these arrears after promising the state’s government workers that he would give priority to paying their wages. The Government has paid double wages in a month on three separate times this year, lowering the amount of arrears. Before the year concludes, all salaries will be paid out.
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“If the amount expended on these infrastructural projects and payment of salary arrears is juxtaposed with the refunds, it is crystal clear that the monies were not mismanaged in Ondo State.
“The administration of Governor Akeredolu stands on the tripod of Transparency, Accountability and Integrity. We will continue to hoist the flag of transparency in governance while pursuing excellence in the journey to transform the state for the better,” the statement said.
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The Akeredolu administration has not touched cash intended for Local Governments since it began, according to the statement, which addressed the claim that certain Governors are looting local government funding.
Money for Local Governments is distributed in their monthly Joint Account Allocation Committee in accordance with policy (JAAC). The funds of local governments are not touched by Mr. Governor. The Chairmen of the local governments can speak to the fact that they have complete discretion in the handling of their money, according to the statement.