Nigerian governors have refuted claims made by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that the Federal Government has disbursed N1.08tn to states to tackle the food crisis being encountered in various states
While speaking at the plenary recently, Akpabio said an unconfirmed report revealed that state governors got N30bn each from the Federation Account to tackle inflation and the high cost of food in their respective states.
Akpabio said: “I must say that unverified report has it that each of the state governments in the last few months has received additional N30bn from Federal Inland Revenue Service outside their normal allocations from the Federation Account to assist them in ameliorating the food situation. We believe that every state government should utilize the funds received towards ensuring that food is available in the country. So, the state governments have a lot to do. They are closer to the people and I do not want to mention local government because most of the local governments are controlled by the state governors.
“My belief is that if the state government does what is needed, then the local government will be involved in sharing to make sure that these things get to the people. But we must not overlook the fact that Nigerians are not going to be interested in stories. Nigerians want to see action. Nigerians want to eat and we will provide food for them, there is no excuse. Despite what we met on the ground.”
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has refuted Akpabio’s claim.
Speaking at recent a function in Iseyin, Governor Makinde spoke on behalf of state governors and said he could speak for himself and other state governors and that no such money was disbursed to any state.
He said: “I can speak for Oyo State, and I can also speak for any of my colleagues because I am the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. I know when things happen. And if we want to play politics, we will keep quiet and say, let it slide, but we are not going to let this slide.
“First, the FIRS cannot give any money to any state; it is not possible. All revenues accruing to our country go into the federation account, and the money is distributed to all the tiers of government. The Federal Government does not give money to the state; the money in the federation account belongs to all of us, and it is not only to the Federal Government.
“We need to engage with our people; if our policies are not working, we need to listen to them and amend them. If the number three citizen says this is an unverified report, why does he need to say it? Does that give confidence to our people, or does it solve the problem of hunger and anger in our land?
“Let me say it clearly: for Oyo State and my colleagues, there is nothing like N30bn being given for food security to the states, and I stand to be challenged.”
