Makinde denied N20bn FG’s support because he refused to pay bribe – Aide

By Ayox Ojo

Governor Makinde did not get N20 billion balance of N50 support package promised him by President Tinubu as succour for victims of January 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan because of his refusal to accede to bribe requests by Federal Government officials.

This was revealed by Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, the media aide to Governor Makinde in a statement on Sunday.

Olanrewaju revealed this while arguing that only N30 billion was released to his boss, as support package for the January 2024 Bodija explosion by the Federal Government.

He added that the withholding of the remaining N20 billion was as a result of Makinde’s refusal to approve the inducements.

Olanrewaju was reacting to claim by the former Ekiti governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, that the Makinde collected N50 billion from the Federal Government for the victims of the explosion.

Fayose, had alleged that Makinde did not reveal that he collected the N50 billion from the President.

But while disputing the claim, Olanrewaju, in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday, stressed that the Federal Government did not release the full promise of N50 billion support package.

He described as misleading that Makinde chose to stay silent about the money in order to save it for his presidential ambition.

“The Federal Government did not give Gov. Makinde N50 billion. This is why Fayose was unable to provide evidence to show the disbursement when asked to do so. In fact, the memo he shared shows what was not disbursed.

“What exists on record is a request and a promise, not a disbursement of N50 billion.

“Gov. Makinde travelled to Abuja personally, armed with a comprehensive report of the incident and a formal request for support from the Federal Government.

“Following that engagement, the Federal Government promised a N50 billion support package. A promise, however, is not a release,” Olanrewaju stated.

He explained that Makinde acknowledged Federal Government support during the inauguration of a transparent committee set up to oversee the disbursement of the relief funds.

According to him, the committee ensured accountability, compassion, and proper use of the N30 billion.

The spokesman said that part of the money was transferred directly to victims as immediate support, while the remaining was deployed for rebuilding and restoration.

“Roads within the affected axis were repaired, reconstruction is ongoing, and a planned memorial at ground zero will honour the lives lost.

”Policies and security architecture have also been upgraded and strengthened to ensure that such an incident does not recur in Oyo State,” he added.

Olanrewaju stated that the N4.5 billion often quoted as announced by the Oyo State Government “refers to direct support to victims.

“At the same time he(governor) ensured that government carried out interventions. Indeed, a visit to the affected areas will show the reconstruction being done.”