Tag: Makinde

•  States got only N2b, says Oyo governor

Oyo State governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), ‘Seyi Makinde, has said it is not true that the Federal Government gave each state N30 billion outside their statutory revenue allocations to address the current food insecurity challenges.

The governor was reacting yesterday to a claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that each state of the federation got additional N30 billion to address the economic challenges facing the country.

He said Oyo State had not received such money from either the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or from the Federal Government.

Makinde spoke while inaugurating the newly-renovated multi-billion naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji (SAN).

The governor lauded the religious harmony in the state, saying it was exemplary.

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. But for us as an administration, I can say we are the first in Nigeria to announce and implement measures on June 9, 2023 to cushion the effect of this policy through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SafER).

“We have been doing our bit. And the reason I came here is for us to talk to ourselves and intensify prayers. So, this is one of the edifices through which we can reach God, though we have done our bit.

“We have health insurance for our people, we gave farm inputs to our farmers, but at this stage, we need to cry to God.

“For the workers, we have been paying a wage award: N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners, and we have paid for close to six months.

“Only last week, I announced an extension for another six months so that we can have the time to conclude the discussion on minimum wage.

“Well, we know there is much to be done and we will continue to do everything within our power to support our people through this hard time.

“This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions. But yesterday, I saw the video and read in the news where the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made a statement; though he said it was unverified report, stating that the state governments received additional N30 billion from the FIRS outside of our statutory allocation, in the last few months, to address food security.

“Please, listen to me loud and clear. I can speak for Oyo State and can also speak for any of my colleagues. This is because as the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I know when things are happening.

“If I wanted to play politics, I would keep quiet and let this slide. But I am not going to let this slide. The FIRS cannot give money to any state. It is not possible. All revenue accruing to the country goes into the Federation Account and it is distributed to all tiers of government. The Federal Government does not give states money. The money in the Federation Account belongs to all of us; it does not belong to the Federal Government alone.

“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.

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“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 being given to states for food security, and I stand to be challenged.

“Yes, the Federal Government promised the states N5 billion and, out of that, it only gave N2 billion and they are even asking that the N2 billion should be refunded right now.

“It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to manage the fiscal situation in Nigeria and manage the inflationary trend we have in the country right now.

“We have been transparent about everything we are doing here and this is the time for us to stay together as a nation to solve the problems we are facing. It is not the time to engage in blame games and propaganda. Hunger and anger are real and, as leaders, we must address them.”

Dignitaries at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, National Assembly members, top state government officials and members of Oke Ogun Traditional Council. 

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his commitment to deal with any traditional ruler found aiding illegal mining.

He spoke yesterday at the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Adeniyi, (Ariwoola Aako II), held at Federal Government College, Igangan.

Speaking through his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor urged monarchs to be conversant with the activities of illegal miners in their domains, so as to expose such.

He said other forms of criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, among others thrive anywhere illegal mining activity is taking place.

Makinde said the government would not relent in the fight against insecurity, to protect lives and property of the people in Ibarapa and Oyo State at large.

Presenting the staff and instrument of office to the monarch, the governor said the Asigangan passed through the three stages established by the Chief Laws of Oyo State in the installation of new king without rancour.

He listed the stages established by the Chief Laws to include nomination of candidate by the royal family, investigation and adoption by the kingmakers and confirmation of the candidate by the governor.

Makinde reiterated that every other town awaiting the installation of new king must follow the due process and guidelines established by the laws.

Calling on the indigenes and residents of Igangan to rally round the new king, he, as well, appealed to the monarch to support the current administration in the state to fulfil its promises to provide all round development across the zones in the state.

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The new Asigangan, Oba Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to the state government, saying the coronation has added to the history of Igangan.

Revealing his ambition to the government and people of Igangan, the monarch promised to ensure collaborative efforts between the indigenes and adjoining communities, especially in the area of security.

He appealed to Governor Makinde for the completion of abandoned Igangan 60-bed hospital approved in 1976, restoration of electricity which has been cut-off for over five years and building of a befitting palace for the Asigangan of Igangan.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Segun Olayiwola, expressed the commitment of the state towards upholding the value of respect, harmony and progress that have defined Igangan.

He enjoined the royal father to join the government in the fight against illegal mining and land grabbing.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has elected governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of PDP Govenors’ Forum will soon come up with an action plan that will help salvage the current hardship been faced in the country.

He charged Nigerians to keep their heads up despite the difficult times and join hands with the leaders to make the country great again.

Apparently reacting to the recent backlash of the PDP governors over allegations of owing workers and pensioners salaries in their various state, Governor Makinde noted that despite criticism against the PDP Governors’ Forum, that recently spoke out on the situation in the country, he and his colleagues will remain undeterred but focus on impacting on the people.

The governor spoke over the weekend while commissioning the 12.5 kilometres Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Apata Road which he also renamed Theophilus Akinyele Road, Ibadan.

He said the PDP governors recently met and deliberate so much on the economic hardship the people are facing with the intent of coming up with a plan and solution that will help the people overcome the challenges of the time.

He added that the realities of the time, no matter how anyone tries to paint it, requires that certain things be done saying the PDP governors and the party, in a matter of time will bring forward a plan that will help the country, if it is adopted.

He noted that the move will again demonstrate that the party cares more about the progress of the people than they do about politics

Makinde said: “Let me use this opportunity to talk about the meeting we had a few days ago. We the Governors of the PDP met in Abuja and one of the key issues we discussed was the economic hardship our people are facing.

“Our focus this time is to help our people overcome the challenges of the time. Some people can continue to play politics and tell lies about how things are, it does not matter.

“I read a piece where some people said FAAC has doubled for states and local government areas. I think it is just a lazy way to situate things. We must be talking about baking a bigger cake.

“Why are we even going to Abuja in the first instance to share FAAC? Were they doing that in the First Republic? Yes, FAAC has moved up from about N6bn per month to about N8bn monthly but the responsibilities of government have also increased.

“We all know the reality of the time, no matter how anyone tries to paint it. And, in the weeks and months to come, our dear party will propose an action plan that we believe would work for our nation when adopted.

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“In doing this, we again demonstrate that we care more about the progress of our people than we do about politics. It is just like here in Oyo State where we fix roads that have economic importance whether they belong to the state or federal.”

He added that in spite of the economic hardship, his government has been able to sustain its focus of building infrastructure that targets its economic expansion agenda and makes life more meaningful for residents of the state.

He noted that the government’s various road projects are ways of attracting prosperity for residents of the state and bring development to the state as a whole.

“When we commission projects, we often go back to see the impact such projects have on the lives of our people. For most of them, a road project like this is the difference between being able to quickly go from their homes to the market or spending hours in traffic.

“This particular road is cutting down travel time by, at least, 30 minutes for some people. So, when we say where roads go, development follows, we are simply stating the fact.

“We are also mindful of the fact that our people want more. We know things have been tough, so we promise to do more. It may not be as fast as you want it to happen but, surely, we will get to our destination by the grace of God.”

Thirteen years after his removal as the Onido of Idoland in Ido Local Government of Oyo State, the Orobiyi family has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to restore their kinsman, Benjamin Ademola Isola Orobiyi (II), as the Onido of Idoland.

They urged the governor to look into the allegations that led to the deposing of their kinsman in 2011, saying the deposed monarch did not commit any offence that warranted his removal.

Ademola, according to a letter by Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs dated 29th July, 2011, was deposed as the Onido of Idoland.

The state government a few weeks ago suspended the current Onido, Oba Babalola Gbolagade, because intelligence report linked him to activities of illegal miners in his local government.

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Speaking in Ibadan on behalf of the Orobiyi family, the deposed monarch described the two monarchs installed after him, Oba Akinola Tajudeen and Oba Gbolagade as intruders, who were not qualified to hold the headship of ldo.He said the chieftaincy declaration was not followed and their selection was against the custom of ldo land.

Said he: “In the light of this, I am using this medium to plead with the authorities concerned to restore normalcy to ldo chieftaincy matter as it was in 201l before the intruders came to hijack the stool.”

Co-chairman of constituted Oyo State Elders Council and foremost leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Wole Oyelese, has described Governor Seyi Makinde as a visionary leader.

Speaking to reporters yesterday on the law Oyo State Energy Regulatory Bill, the former minister of Power and Steel, said it takes wisdom and vision to take development-oriented decisions he has taken since assuming office.

He hailed the governor for the step of taking advantage of the Federal Government’s movement of energy from Exclusive to the Concurrent list.

Oyelese lamented the rate at which multinationals move from Nigeria because of poor electricity supply.

He regretted that with the huge investment in the energy sector, there was nothing to show.

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Oyelese hailed the vision and determination of Makinde to make Oyo the first state to enjoy uninterrupted 24 hours and seven-day supply of electricity.

Noting that the new step shows great forward thinking for unparalleled industrial development on the part of the governor, Oyelese said the step, when actualised, would turn Oyo State into a modern industrial hub.

Describing efficient and stable electricity supply as a major attraction for foreign direct investment, he said unemployment would become a thing of the past, as Oyo State would become the first port of call for genuine and serious investors.