Governors Deny Akpabio's Claim of N30bn Disbursement to Address Food Crisis
The Senate President's recent assertion regarding the disbursement of N1.08 trillion by the Federal Government to states to tackle the country's food crisis has been refuted by state governors, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio's home state of Oyo.
During the inauguration of a renovated central mosque in Iseyin, Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, also the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, contradicted Akpabio's claim, stating that state governors did not receive N30 billion each as alleged.
Makinde emphasized the impossibility of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) providing such funds directly to states, as revenues accrue to the federation account, from which allocations are distributed to all tiers of government.
The governor questioned the basis of Akpabio's statement, urging transparency and accountability in addressing the nation's challenges.
Makinde's stance was supported by several other states, including Lagos, Osun, Benue, Katsina, and Sokoto, all of which denied receiving N30 billion from the Federal Government.
Lagos State's Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, dismissed the claim, affirming the administration's commitment to transparency and people-oriented policies. Similarly, Osun State's Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, emphasized that Osun did not receive the alleged funds and welcomed scrutiny of the state's financial records.
The refutations by multiple state governments underscored the need for clarity and accuracy in public statements, particularly regarding critical issues such as food security and financial disbursements.
As the discourse continues, attention remains on addressing the root causes of the food crisis and implementing effective measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians affected by rising food prices and economic challenges.
