The outgoing governor of Ondo State, Mimiko has failed in his planned bid to present the 2017 appropriation bill before the House of Assembly due to political unrest.
Governor Olusegun Mimiko
The leadership tussle in the Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday prevented Governor Olusegun Mimiko from presenting the 2017 budget proposal, according to The Nation.
Two factions led by Malachi Coker and Jumoke Akindele are laying claim to the speaker’s seat. Coker’s camp removed Akindele, her deputy, Fatai Olotu and Majority Leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu.
Last Monday, security operatives sealed off the Assembly complex. It was reopened yesterday when Mimiko announced that he would be presenting his administration’s last budget.
Thirteen lawmakers loyal to Coker arrived at the Assembly at 7.30 am and began plenary at 8.am. There was confusion at the main entrance when armed policemen and other security operatives shot teargas to disperse the crowd protesting the re-opening of the Assembly.
The leader of the protesters, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, said the governor should leave the state peacefully and not burden the incoming administration.
As the lawmakers were debating the effect of smoking, Commissioner of Police Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison came and ordered reporters to vacate the chamber.
At the sitting, the lawmakers reaffirmed the suspension of the principal officers. The Coker’s camp adjourned till 12pm when they were informed that the governor would arrive by noon.
The lawmakers, who vowed not to leave, were seen eating their lunch around 2.30pm. They later re-convened around 3pm and adjourned till today after they were informed the governor was no longer coming.