Claim by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that the federal government disbursed N1.08tn to states to address the food crisis in the country has drawn the denial of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“I must say that unverified report has it that each of the state governments in the last few months has received additional N30bn(totalling N1.08tn) from Federal Inland Revenue Service outside their normal allocations from the Federation Account to assist them in ameliorating the food situation,” Akpabio had reportedly said during Tuesday’s plenary.
Makinde on Thursday at the inauguration of the renovated central mosque in Iseyin area of the state, said the Senate President was lying.
The governor who doubles as the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum retorted, “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.”
