Makinde refutes Akpabio’s claim of N30bn for food security
By Adewale Owoade
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has refuted claims by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that the 36 governors got the sum of N30billion each to address food security in their various states.
Makinde stated this during the commissioning of the newly-renovated multi-billion naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji, SAN, at Justice Oluwakayode Ariwoola Peace Park, Iseyin in Oyo State.
Akpabio, had on Tuesday during plenary, said that all the 36 governors in Nigeria got N30billion each to address food scarcity and economic hardship.
He stated further that the said money was disbursed by the Federal Government through Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Makinde, while reacting to Akpabio’s claim, urged the Federal Government not to politicise the situation at hand, but rather put in more efforts to tackle the current hardship Nigerians are battling with.
“Let me say it clearly, for Oyo State and for most of my colleagues, there is nothing like N30billion being given for food security to the states, and I stand to be challenged.
“We’ve been transparent about everything we are doing here in Oyo State and this is time for us to pull together as a nation and solve the problems we are facing.
“It is not a time for blame game and propaganda; hunger, anger are real and as leaders we must address it.”
Furthermore, Makinde commended the Christian body for being part of the commissioning, hailing the religious harmony in Oyo State as exemplary.
“What we have demonstrated by the presence of the Christian community is that in Oyo State we are one, anybody that wants to cause disharmony between us should go elsewhere because it will not work,” he said.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, appreciated Makinde for always being there for the people of Oyo State.
He also called for togetherness to solve the problem facing the nation.
“I appreciate him for speaking in a passionate tone and that is how a leader should speak to his people to let them know he cares for them.
“Seyi, don’t worry, we are with you and will keep on praying for you. We will keep on supporting you because you are on the right track, we keep on supporting you.
“I’m very pleased to see the representative of CAN in Oyo here, and they gave a very beautiful speech, we should replicate this, we are one big family with different religious beliefs.
“Let’s continue to work in peace because without peace we cannot develop, we must come together, find a solution to our problem,” Abubakar said.
Earlier, the facilitator of the Iseyin Central Mosque, Raji, appreciated the governor for his presence, urging citizens of the country to continue to pray for their leaders and to pray to God to lessen the burden of the people.
“As citizens, no matter the challenges we are facing, let us be praying for our leaders. If you curse your leaders, you will have the effect more than they will feel it.
“I appeal to us, let us always pray for them, even when we notice difficulties, pray to God to ease the burden for them,” Raji said.
The event had in attendance the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, National Assembly members and top government functionaries from Oyo State as well as Oke Ogun Traditional Council members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
