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A sociopolitical group, Coalition for A Better Nigeria, has condemned the Oyo State Government to raise N100 billion bond to finance some projects across the state.
The group in a release titled ‘state of the nation’ and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, said it is on record that Governor Seyi Makinde lampooned the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration for borrowing N90 billion in eight years, only for him to get to office and borrow N126 billion in 12 months, contrary to his campaign promise of ensuring financial independence of Oyo State via Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within six months in office.
“We condemn in strong terms the move by the Oyo State Government to raise N100 billion bond to finance some opaque projects including that of the Federal Government, at a period when the latter had concluded not to refund any money spent on the Federal Government projects by the State Governments henceforth.
“Against the popular complaint and public opinion, Governor Seyi Makinde is hell bent on going ahead with this unpopular move that could precipitate Oyo State into financial insolvency, only for reasons known to him,” it said.
Awa said the recent startling revelations of misappropriation of funds and extra budgetary spending in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) calls for concern and it has shown that people of the Niger Delta region are their own enemies, and not really the system of government in the country, adding that this also applies to Nigeria as a whole.
He said: “The former Minister of Petroleum Resources, who is presently having a running battle with the EFCC , Mrs Diezzani Madueke, also hail from the same region.
“The major problem over the years with the Niger Delta zone and Nigeria at large is bad leadership and not really the system of government.
“This explains why the present government is passing through sleepless nights to make sure it sanitises the dubious system it inherited regarding the corrupt individuals and Institutions reasonably before the next general elections in 2023.”
“We say kudos to the Federal Government on this noble cause and will like to draw the public’s attention to the fact that Yoruba should be genuinely allowed by other tribes to take a shot at the 2023 Presidency based on equity, fairness, and in recognition of the bloc votes given by the region to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) during the 2015 and 2019 general elections in the country.
“We do appreciate the increasing voice in support of this school of thought from key individuals in the northern and southern parts of the country.
“We salute former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, for standing with the truth that power must shift to the South in 2023, after the northern president have spent two terms,” Awa added.
The group added that “while we are thinking on how our 1993 electoral experience dragged the nation back, we must also not fail to remember 2023 election and guide against a repeat of such terrible democratic outing, occasioned by lack of vision by the military junta led by former President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.”
It applauded the timely approval of N50 billion revival fund for textile industry by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approvingthe sum of N75 billion for the establishment of Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which will operate as a youth Bank and create a financial support base for innovative youths between ages 18 and 35.
“We congratulate our latest nonagenarian, international leader in the civil societies, who stood solidly behind the June 12 election actualisation struggles, as US Ambassador to Nigeria (1993-1997).
“We thank God today, that your labour for democracy in Nigeria is not in vain after all for two good reasons;
“Your marriage to one of our most beautiful women from Edo State, Arese Carrington, is blessed with good Children.
“Nigeria successfully returned to democracy in May 29, 1999, the date was termed democracy day since then, but the voice of the people was later recognised by the president and June 12 became Nigeria’s democracy day since 2018, “Voix dei, voix populi.”
“We felicitate with His Excellency, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State (1979-1983), on his 91st Birthday anniversary.
“After over 40 years of your administration, your legacy still speaks volume about your passion for the poor masses while you were in government.
“We congratulate former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Turakin Keffi; Senator Akin Odunsi of Ogun State; former Chief Judge of Lagos State and now Chairperson, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Ayotunde Phillips; Senator Gbenga Ashafa of Lagos State and Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) as they turned 74, 75, 71, 65 and 64 respectively.
‘We say many happy returns to our dear brother and friend, HRM Oba Abdul – Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, as he becomes golden Kabiyesi @ 50.
“We commend US-based Nigerian Officer, Lt Victor Agunbiade, who was honoured by The United States Navy for effectively managing its largest cash handling $45 million (N17 billion) in cash transaction. This accounted for about 70% of its overseas disbursing volume. He earned the honour while serving as cash Disbursing Officer at the Navy’s Camp in Lemonnier, Djibouti, between October, 2019 and July, 2020.
“Additionally, he managed 100% accountability of $23 million (N8.7 billion) across six rigorous inspections and independent audits with zero discrepancies.
” We commiserate with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, the Ilorin Emirate and the entire good people of Kwara State over the demise of the governor’s father, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Folorunsho AbdulRasaq (SAN) (OFR), Mutawali of Ilorin, Tafida of Zazzau (Zaria), Chairman Nigerian Body of Benchers, first northern Nigerian lawyer, who passed on at a ripe age of 93.
“We equally mourn our dear Sister, Late popular presenter of the TVC Communications, Mrs Emmanuella Pobeni Adepoju (Iya Jogbo).
“They had left indelible ink in the sand of time.
“We pray Almighty God rest their souls,” the release said.