Osun

Explain To Citizens How You’re Spending Increased Allocation – FG Tells Adeleke

ByKazeem Badmus

PublishedFebruary 16, 2024

The Federal Government of Nigeria has asked Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to explain how he has been spending the increased allocation accruable to the state.

According to the FG, Adeleke and other governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) owe Nigerians an explanation on whether or not they spent increased allocations on their people.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that since the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, the allocation coming to the state has increased significantly.

The FG was reacting to the call by the PDP governors, who had asked the APC-led federal government to address the worsening economic hardship in the country before it got out of hand.

Responding, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the federal government welcomed their call for a bipartisan approach to solving the nation’s economic and security problems.

Idris, however, said the governors should come out clean about the money they are receiving from the federal government now.

He said, “While opposition politicians are expected to play politics, it should be done within the bounds of truth and fidelity to facts. It is unconscionable for PDP governors to manipulate facts and misinform Nigerians about our country’s true state of affairs.

“Nigerians should ask PDP governors how far and how well they have utilised the increased revenue to better the lives of Nigerians in their respective states.

“It is on record that most states controlled by PDP owe workers and pensioners months of unpaid salary and pension arrears. The PDP governors have defaulted on paying gratuities to their retired workers.

“It is also a fact that many of the PDP governors have not paid the N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than four years ago. All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face.

“If PDP governors are genuinely interested in the living conditions of Nigerians and are not just stirring up disaffection and ill-will towards the federal government, we urge them to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners, and local contractors and see the multiplier effect.

“It is disappointing that PDP governors talk about rising costs of living and food when they have not done much to increase food production in their states. The land in Nigeria belongs to the states, not the Federal Government.”

Kazeem Badmus

Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.