We have severance package law’ — Osun speaker reacts to directive on return of official cars

Timothy Owoeye, the speaker of the Osun house of assembly, has spoken on the recent directive asking former appointees of the state to return official cars.

According to NAN, Owoeye spoke on Wednesday during the assembly’s plenary in Osogbo, the state capital.

Owoeye cited the public office holders (payment of pension and severance packages) bill passed into law in 2019, and said there is a need to meet government officials to discuss the matter.

The bill, which was passed into law in June 2019 during the administration of Gboyega Oyetola, provides for public office holders to receive pension and severance packages.

The law also cites “fringe benefits and allowances” but there is nothing specific on if public officials can leave with official cars upon expiration of their tenures in office.

It was earlier reported that the asset recovery panel set up by the Osun government directed Oyetola, his wife, Sherifat, and former government appointees to return official vehicles in their possession.

Speaking on the development on Wednesday, Owoeye said Teslim Igbalaye, the secretary to the state government (SSG), and Kasim Akinleye, the chief of staff to the governor, have been invited to the house for discussion on the matter.

“I want to call on the SSG and chief of staff to let us discuss this matter holistically,” the speaker was quoted as saying.

“Apart from the fact that we have a public office holders (payment of pension and severance packages) law that was passed in 2019, I will not say anything further until I see the SSG and chief of staff.

“Both of them are not summoned to appear before the assembly, but to let us come together for discussion.

“There are so many things we can settle without denting the image of anybody