THE leading opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Sunday traded words over N2 billion palliatives from the federal government of Nigeria to cushion the effect of fuel Subsidy.
As the nation celebrates her 63rd Independence Anniversary today, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has enjoined the sub-national entities making up the nation to key into the developmental strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The state chairman of the APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, today stated that it would not serve any meaningful purpose for the federating units to either undermine or sabotage the programmes of the government at the centre, as the government of Senator Ademola Adeleke is currently doing through its lack of commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people of Osun state.
Lawal observed that it was unthinkable and unreasonable for any of the federating units to hoard the Federal Government N2 billion fuel subsidy removal palliative after two months of receiving the fund.
He hinted that if the state governments do not consider it appropriate to provide their own palliatives for their citizens in order to ameliorate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, what justification do they have to flagrantly deny the people access to the Federal Government fund meant for the specific purpose?
Lawal reminded Governor Ademola Adeleke who is still sitting on the N2 billion after two months of its receipt that the immediate purpose the money is meant to serve is to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal and not for perpetual keep.
He told Adeleke that he would be guilty of misappropriation of fund if the information making the rounds, that the governor has diverted and blown the N2 billion on frivolities, is anything to go.
In his words:”While I am congratulating our people on the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary today, we should not lose sight of the fact that things remain what they are in this country today because of indiscipline and culture of impunity of some of the political leaders at all the levels of government across the nation.
“For instance, if not an act of sabotage, how can a government refuse to hearken to the crying of the less-privileged members of the society whose empowerment was directed and cash-backed by the Federal Government but is being willingly bungled by the state government?
“Is Governor Adeleke waiting for the people to die before he releases the N2 billion Federal Government fuel subsidy removal palliative?
“The gist of the matter is that Governor Adeleke should stop his stylish frustration of the Federal Government programme and promptly release the N2 billion fuel subsidy removal palliative without further delay.
“We advise the organized labour in Osun State to hold Governor Adeleke responsible for what-ever negative impacts experienced by the workers on account of the fuel subsidy removal”, the Osun State APC chairman explained.
Meanwhile, Osun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has blasted the state APC over alleged diversion of the N2 billion naira palliative fund, saying “we are not a corrupt government like yours.
Responding to the statement from the APC, Osun PDP Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi said APC government that ran the state aground with multi billion naira debt without any democratic dividends, thinks and believe every leader is a kleptocrat with sadist mindset like the previous APC government.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke is a due process leader who cherishes accountability and transparency in all governmental processes. Procurement order has been placed for palliative materials and they will soon arrive.
“The palliative plan by Governor Adeleke is very comprehensive and is designed to be sufficient enough to reach the masses. Only those who were voted out for thieving records will think the Governor from a billionaire background will divert a palliative fund that is publicly declared.
“We want to put it on record that an internal probe conducted by this government had since revealed multi-billion naira maladministration and mismanagement under the previous APC government. Our government is however deeply interested in turning a new leaf rather than conducting a full probe of Oyetola government.
“We also want to affirm that the PDP government in Osun state has a policy of cooperation and collaboration to achieve developmental goals. In a federation, the states are obliged to ensure seamless intergovernmental relations for national development. The presidency appreciates Adeleke governorship, a development that is worrying the state chapter of APC.
” Rather than undermining federal palliative policy, Osun state is complementing it, ensuring a holistic approach and value for money without avenue for self-enrichment as was the case in the past. We are not a government that hoards palliatives; we are an accountable government with integrity and we are being led by a Governor from a reputable philanthropic family.
“When next the state APC makes an irresponsible allegation of fund diversion, the relevant agency of our government will take appropriate legal action. We invite APC to Ipade Imole on Thursday to listen to a transparent Governor delivering detailed stewardship to the good people of Osun State”, the statement by the party chairman of PDP noted.
