Adeleke: I have stuck to policy of ‘no security vote’ even at great cost

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Osun governor, Ademola Adeleke has declared that his administration has maintained a policy of not operating ‘slush fund’ which many Nigerians regard as ‘security votes.’ Rather, the Governor said administration is funding its expenditure on security services within the confines of the public finance law and regulations.

Adeleke said though he has faced resistance over the policy, he has maintained it even at a great cost.

“I am proud to declare that the Osun state government under my watch does not operate a slush fund that our media friends call security votes. Our security needs are met through the approval process. I face resistance over the policy but I stick to it even at great cost, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke’s spokesperson quoted him as saying in a statement on Friday.

He listed such security expenditures as operational support for security agencies operating in the state, ; funding of operations to quell communal crises; support for communal peace activities and funding of the state security outfit, Amotekun among others.

Such expenditures, the Governor posited further, are processed within the context of statutory approval process which involves raising of memos and compliance with government payment process.

“My motivation for insisting on the policy was the situation I met on the ground in November 2022. I believe Osun needs every kobo to meet her numerous developmental challenges. Our earnings from FAAC allocations and internally generated revenues are channeled to key sectoral projects from infrastructure to agriculture to health among others.

“We also target payment of workers’ emolument, pensions and outstanding salary debt. We maintain a delicate balance on expenditure across human and infra sectors and within less than three years, we have good records widely verified by local and national stakeholders”, the Governor submitted.

The Governor said his administration demonstrated foresight early enough when it created a special project account where unexpected inflow from FAAC are saved, pointing out that the initiative is a shock absorber and a smart way to ensure completion of ongoing infra projects in the state.

While expecting early resolution of the Osun local government fund seizure, Governor Adeleke was quoted as reassuring Osun people and other stakeholders that his administration remains focussed and committed to completing its human and capital projects on schedule.