The Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju has confessed that Oyo State Government received a sum of N30billion out of N50billion claim by former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose over the Bodija blast in 2024.
Dr Sulaimon made the revelation in his article titled: “Makinde: Truth Is Not a Casualty of Political Desperation”.
He described Fayose’s position that Governor Makinde is saving up money for his presidential ambition as as misleading. He clarified further that;
The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde ₦50 billion. This is why Fayose was unable to provide evidence to show the disbursement when asked to do so. In fact, the memo he shared shows what was not disbursed.
The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde ₦50 billion. This is why Fayose was unable to provide evidence to show the disbursement when asked to do so.
What exists on record is a request and a promise, not a disbursement of ₦50 billion.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragic January 2024 Bodija explosion, which claimed lives, destroyed homes, and traumatised an entire community, President Bola Tinubu did not visit Oyo State. Governor Makinde travelled to Abuja personally, armed with a comprehensive report of the incident and a formal request for support from the Federal Government. Following that engagement, the Federal Government promised a ₦50 billion support package.
A promise, however, is not a release.
When it was time to act, only ₦30 billion was released. For reasons beyond the remit of this piece, the remaining ₦20 billion was withheld.
Was the Governor expected to convene a press conference to announce that the Federal Government had promised ₦50 billion, released ₦30 billion, and was withholding ₦20 billion? Or to publicly litigate negotiations around a national tragedy?
What matters is what was done with the funds that were released.