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‘Makinde got no N50bn from FG, only N30bn released’ – Aide
The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims by a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, that Governor Seyi Makinde received N50bn from the Federal Government in the aftermath of the January 2024 Bodija explosion.
The Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described the allegation as misleading and deliberately disingenuous, insisting that no such amount was ever disbursed to the state.
According to information scooped from The Nation newspaper by Mega Icon Magazine, Olanrewaju also rejected insinuations that Makinde deliberately kept silent over the alleged funds in order to stash the money to support a future presidential ambition.
Speaking on the controversy, the governor’s aide said the Federal Government did not release N50bn to Oyo State, noting that this was why Fayose was unable to provide evidence of disbursement when challenged.
“Recent comments attributed to former Governor Ayodele Fayose, alleging that the Federal Government handed N50bn to Seyi Makinde and that the governor chose to stay silent while saving up the money to support his presidential ambition are not only misleading, they are deliberately disingenuous,” Olanrewaju said.
“Let us be clear from the outset. The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde N50bn. 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.”
He clarified that what existed was a request and a promise of support, not a full release of the N50bn often quoted in public discourse.
According to him, following the tragic January 2024 explosion in Bodija, which claimed lives, destroyed homes and traumatised residents, President Bola Tinubu did not visit Oyo State, prompting Governor Makinde to travel to Abuja with a detailed report of the incident and a formal request for Federal Government intervention.
He explained that while the Federal Government promised a N50bn support package after the engagement, only N30bn was eventually released.
“A promise, however, is not a release. When it was time to act, only N30bn was released. This partial release was accompanied by demands for inducements tied to the disbursement of the balance. Governor Makinde refused. As a result, the remaining N20bn was withheld,” Olanrewaju stated.
He argued that it would have been inappropriate for the governor to publicly litigate negotiations around a national tragedy, stressing that what mattered was how the funds released were utilised.
Olanrewaju said Makinde acknowledged Federal Government support during the inauguration of a transparent committee set up to oversee the disbursement of relief funds, adding that the committee ensured accountability and proper utilisation of the money.
He disclosed that part of the N30bn released was transferred directly to victims as immediate support, while the remaining funds were 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 to ensure that such an incident does not recur in Oyo State,” he said.
The media aide also clarified that the N4.5bn often cited by the state government referred to direct financial support given to victims, representing about 15 per cent of the total funds released.
“Governor Makinde found a way of giving 15 per cent back to landlords and even tenants as direct support in his usual show of empathy, while also ensuring that government carried out necessary interventions,” he added.
Olanrewaju linked the renewed controversy to recent political developments, noting that Makinde had openly declared during a media chat that he would not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He said the declaration, which followed Makinde’s admission that he regretted supporting Tinubu in 2023, had triggered political hostilities against the governor.
According to him, attempts to portray Makinde as dishonest or ungrateful were driven by desperation and political mischief.
“Half-truths and outright falsehoods may offer temporary comfort to those who trade in political mischief, but they always collapse under the weight of facts,” Olanrewaju said.
He added that Makinde remained resolute in defending democratic principles, insisting that truth did not need protection, but only to be told fully, clearly and without fear.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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