From: Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State House of Assembly, at Tuesday’s plenary, reverses itself and withdrew its earlier ‘vote of no confidence’ passed on the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela over alleged insurbodination.
The House had, Thursday last week, passed a vote of no confidence in the commissioner following a mild drama when Olowofela appeared before lawmakers to answer alleged halving of funds meant for the Federal Government’s school feeding programme in the state, by his ministry, before it is sent to food vendors.
The Assembly had also accused Olowofela of withdrawing money from the vendors’ accounts and supplying food items directly from Ibadan which angered the commissioner and made the house passed the vote of no confidence in him.
But the Assembly withdrew its vote of no confidence following a letter of apology from the commissioner, which was read by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, seeking the members to forgive him over the alleged affronts.
Reacting, the member representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji, implored the House to temper justice with mercy. S
he said: “In the spirit of peace and love in the government, I urge that we should forgive the commissioner.
Also, the member representing Ibadan North State Constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, said the letter from the commissioner was a test of leadership and shows dexterity was put at work.
He commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his prompt intervention in the matter to douse tension and make the matter go to rest, adding that the crisis was borne out of misunderstanding between the Assembly and the commissioner which, he said has been settled.
He also added that the letter from the commissioner, who is an alumnus of University of Ibadan, shows his worthiness in learning and character.
Meanwhile, the Speaker said the House was not constituted to fight other arms of government, saying that it is not mandate given to us but to make law.
According to the Speaker, “We have made 125 resolutions on laws that have helped the state but they are not recognized. Professor Olowofela knew he made error even though members of the public see it otherwise but he has apologised and I believe we should forgive him”.
The Speaker after the unanimous agreement by the members, therefore, forgave and withdrew the vote of no confidence in the commissioner.