A fiery exchange has erupted in Ogun State following comments by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy. Akinmade, in a recent statement, directed the anger of a group of former Special Assistants (SAs) under the administration of ex-Governor Ibikunle Amosun towards their former boss, claiming Amosun was responsible for the non-payment of their severance allowances.
The controversy stems from a group of former SAs under the Amosun administration who have been vocal about the non-payment of their severance packages. They argue that they are entitled to the allowance as stipulated by law and accuse the current administration of Governor Abiodun of neglecting their plight.
However, Akinmade’s statement throws the blame back at the Amosun administration. He accuses them of deliberately failing to make budgetary provisions for the severance allowances before leaving office. Akinmade claims this created a financial burden on the Abiodun administration, which inherited a depleted treasury.
Akinmade’s Statement: Shifting Blame and Sparking Fury
Akinmade’s statement reads in part, “It is disingenuous for the former SAs to be directing their anger towards the Abiodun administration. The non-payment of their severance allowances is a direct consequence of the financial mismanagement that characterized the Amosun era. The current administration is cleaning up the mess they inherited and working tirelessly to ensure the state’s financial health.”
These comments have sparked outrage among the former SAs. They view Akinmade’s statement as an attempt to deflect blame and downplay the legitimacy of their claims. A spokesperson for the group, Mrs. Yemisi Owolabi, stated, “We served the state diligently under the Amosun administration. We are entitled to our severance allowances, a fact the current administration readily acknowledges. Blaming the previous administration for a budgetary oversight does not address our current situation.”
Unraveling the Financial Maze: A Legacy of Debt?
Akinmade’s claim regarding the financial state inherited by the Abiodun administration is a point of contention. While the Abiodun administration has acknowledged financial challenges, the extent of the previous administration’s alleged mismanagement is a matter of debate.
The opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to which Amosun belongs, has dismissed Akinmade’s claims as mere political rhetoric. They argue that the Abiodun administration is simply using the issue to deflect attention away from its own economic shortcomings.
Beyond the Blame Game: Seeking Solutions for Unpaid Allowances
The war of words between the two administrations does little to address the plight of the former SAs. They remain without their owed severance allowances and face financial hardship.
Financial experts suggest several possible solutions to this impasse:
- Negotiation and Compromise: Both administrations could come to the table and negotiate a settlement. This might involve the Abiodun administration allocating a portion of its budget to cover the outstanding allowances, potentially spread out over a period.
- Legal Action: The former SAs have the option of pursuing legal action to enforce payment of their severance allowances. However, this path can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Dialogue and Transparency: Open communication between both administrations and the former SAs is crucial. A clear understanding of the financial constraints and a roadmap for resolving the issue can help manage expectations and alleviate anxieties.
Conclusion: A Tangled Web of Politics and Finance
The non-payment of severance allowances to former SAs in Ogun State has become a political football. While Akinmade’s statement attempts to deflect blame towards the previous administration, it does little to solve the current problem. Moving forward, a collaborative approach involving dialogue, compromise, and potentially legal channels is necessary to resolve the issue and ensure the former SAs receive their rightful entitlements. Only then can this chapter be closed and all parties can focus on moving forward.
