Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has denied claims by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio that the states of the federation got an additional N30 billion each outside of their statutory revenue allocations to address food insecurity in their states.
Makinde while speaking at a function in Iseyin on Thursday, February 22, affirmed that he can speak for himself and other state governors and that no such money was disbursed to any state.
While speaking at the plenary on Tuesday, February 20, Akpabio said an unconfirmed report indicated that state governors received N30bn each from the Federation Account to ameliorate inflation and the high cost of food in their respective states.
But Makinde, who doubled as the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, said Oyo State has not received any N30 billion from the FIRS or the Federal Government.
Makinde added that he has been doing everything to cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the people.
He then warned that leaders should instil confidence and hope in the citizenry in this trying time rather than playing the blame game.
“I can speak for Oyo State, and I can also speak for any of my colleagues because I am the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. I know when things happen. And if we want to play politics, we will keep quiet and say, let it slide, but we are not going to let this slide.
“First, the FIRS cannot give any money to any state; it is not possible. All revenues accruing to our country go into the federation account, and the money is distributed to all the tiers of government. The Federal Government does not give money to the state; the money in the federation account belongs to all of us, and it is not only to the Federal Government.
“We need to engage with our people; if our policies are not working, we need to listen to them and amend them. If the number three citizen says this is an unverified report, why does he need to say it? Does that give confidence to our people, or does it solve the problem of hunger and anger in our land?
“Let me say it clearly: for Oyo State and my colleagues, there is nothing like N30bn being given for food security to the states, and I stand to be challenged” he said
“This is a very difficult period in our nation’s history because all of us are aware of what we are going through economically.
