Fayose Calls for Makinde Refund Tinubu’s ₦30bn Funds
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has requested Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to return ₦30 billion launched by the Federal Authorities for victims of the Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
He mentioned the cash needs to be despatched again to Abuja if it has remained unused because it was acquired.
Fayose spoke after Governor Makinde admitted that the ₦30 billion intervention fund had not been spent.
The fund was accredited to assist victims of the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked the Bodija space of Ibadan.
In a press release launched by his spokesman, Femi Philips, Fayose criticised Makinde for not informing the individuals of Oyo State concerning the cash earlier.
He mentioned the disclosure solely got here after public arguments over a complete ₦50 billion intervention fund, which additionally included an extra ₦20 billion.
Fayose described the state of affairs as unusual and unacceptable.
He mentioned public funds meant for victims shouldn’t be stored idle whereas affected households proceed to battle.
He mentioned, “Since Governor Makinde has now mentioned that he stored the ₦30 billion he admitted to have acquired in a {bank} since 2024, Oyo State Authorities ought to return the cash to the Federal Authorities so it may be used for the individuals for which the cash was meant.”
Fayose argued that the Federal Authorities has sufficient buildings to succeed in the victims instantly.
He accused the Oyo governor of turning a humanitarian challenge right into a political matter.
“In spite of everything, the Federal Authorities has mechanisms to succeed in victims of the explosion since their governor has chosen to play politics with their welfare,” he mentioned.
The previous governor additionally raised issues concerning the {financial} good points from conserving such a big sum within the {bank}.
He mentioned the cash would have generated vital curiosity over time.
“₦30 billion in a {bank} for 18 months would have generated a minimum of ₦4.5 billion at 10 per cent curiosity,” Fayose mentioned.
Primarily based on this calculation, he insisted that the Oyo State Authorities ought to refund greater than the unique quantity.
“Subsequently, Governor Makinde should return not lower than ₦34.5 billion to the Federal Authorities,” he added.
Fayose mentioned transparency and accountability are fundamental duties of anybody holding public workplace.
He claimed he raised the matter to reveal what he referred to as double requirements in Makinde’s public conduct.
He accused the Oyo governor of unveiling solely components of his engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that suited him.
In line with Fayose, particulars concerning the intervention fund had been intentionally omitted.
“If he hadn’t gone on nationwide tv to reveal what favoured him a few assembly with the President, and hid the truth that he requested ₦50 billion intervention fund for the explosion victims and that the request was granted, there wouldn’t have been any purpose to speak,” Fayose mentioned.
He additionally warned Makinde towards dragging the President into political controversies.
He mentioned the problem shouldn’t be used to advance private political ambition.
“However you’ll be able to’t inform the general public what favours you a few assembly and preserve those that ought to favour different events. As a Yoruba man, we is not going to will let you destroy the President’s title and picture due to inordinate presidential ambition,” Fayose added.