THE Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has refuted claims of taking part in the ₦570 billion hardship grant that the Federal Government purportedly allocated to state governments.
President Bola Tinubu stated during a broadcast to Nigerians amid the #EndBadGovernance protests against hunger and hardship, that ₦570 billion had been distributed among the 36 states.
Additionally, Tinubu revealed that Nigeria spends ₦2 trillion monthly on importing Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil, or diesel.
He also mentioned that total fiscal revenue accumulated by the Federal Government during the first half of 2024 reached ₦9.1 trillion, representing a significant increase compared to earnings under the previous administration.
“Furthermore, over ₦570 billion has been released to the 36 states to enhance livelihood support for their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefited from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 nano-businesses are expected to receive support,” the President stated.
However, in his newsletter No. 95 for August 2024, personally signed and shared on his X handle yesterday, Makinde asserted that the state was unaware of any such grant.
He explained, “In my newsletter tonight, I responded to a question from a concerned Oyo State citizen regarding the claim that the Federal Government ‘gave’ states over ₦570 billion as a ‘hardship fund’ for citizens.
“In direct response, the Federal Government did not allocate any money to Oyo State.
“Instead, we were reimbursed for funds (₦5.98 billion initially and ₦822 million subsequently) that we invested in the three result areas of NG-CARES, which includes distributing inputs to smallholder farmers in our state.
“In fact, the World Bank adopted our model for input distribution, which utilized biometric data for beneficiary farmers, as the NG-CARES model.”
Makinde’s denial comes amid the controversies surrounding the nationwide hunger and hardship protests.
While many states reported peaceful demonstrations, some northern regions experienced violence, with looters seizing goods and properties belonging to both the government and individuals.
In the north, some protesters were seen displaying the Russian flag, a development that has drawn widespread condemnation and been labeled a treasonable act.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has since announced the arrest and investigation of sponsors behind the violent protests, including the apprehension of seven Polish nationals.
The DSS has pledged to reveal the identities of those funding the violent protests.
