The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Seyi Makinde, has refuted claims made by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio that the 36 state governors received N30 billion each from the federal government outside of their statutory revenue allocations to address the food security issues in their states.
Specifically speaking for Oyo State, Makinde said that he did not receive any N30 billion from the FIRS or the federal government, adding that his government has been and will always be open and transparent to the people of the state.
The governor however pointed out that in Oyo State, he has been doing everything possible to cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the people. He urged leaders to instil confidence and hope in the citizenry in this trying time rather than indulging in blame games.
He added that apart from Oyo State not getting N30 billion from any agency or department of the federal government, he could say the same for his fellow governors as vice chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and frowned at Akpabio’s reliance on unverified reports.
Makinde also stated that it was impossible for states to get funds from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), since all revenues go into the Federation Account and belong to the federal government, states and the local governments.
Makinde said, “So, if the Senate President, who is the number three citizen in this country, could be quoting an unverified report, people are looking at us as leaders. This is the period that we are supposed to give confidence to our people. It is not the period to start playing politics or to start looking for scapegoats.
“We need to engage with our people. If our policies are not working, we need to listen to the people and amend. So, if the Number Three Citizen had nothing but unverified report, why did he need to say it? Does his statement give confidence to the people or solve the problem of hunger and anger in the land?
“Let me say it clearly as for Oyo State and for most of my colleagues, there is nothing like N30 billion given to states for food security and I stand to be challenged,’’ he said.