The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has challenged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to explain why hunger remains a major concern in the state despite his admission that the state is now receiving more money from the Federation Account.
The organisation said the governor’s statement exposed a contradiction in the management of the state’s finances, asking who else should be held responsible for deploying increased revenue to improve the welfare of Oyo residents.
Makinde had, while speaking in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday, acknowledged that states were receiving more money from the Federation Account but said the increase had not translated into a reduction in hunger.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, the campaign organisation said the governor’s admission should prompt serious questions about how the additional funds accruing to Oyo State were being utilised.
The statement, signed by the organisation’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, said it was contradictory for Makinde to acknowledge increased revenue and, at the same time, complain that hunger had not reduced.
“If you have acknowledged that monthly, you have been getting more money from the Federation Account, who are you expecting to come and help you to fight hunger in your state? Is it President Tinubu?” the organisation asked.
The group said the increase in federal allocations was partly a consequence of the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, adding that states receiving more revenue should also be accountable for how such funds are used.
It said the responsibility of providing basic services and implementing state-level interventions to cushion economic hardship could not simply be transferred to the Federal Government.
The Alli campaign organisation also renewed its criticism of Makinde’s position on local government autonomy, alleging that the governor had resisted efforts to give councils greater financial independence.
According to the organisation, allowing local governments to function effectively would bring governance and development closer to the people at the grassroots.
The group described the situation in Oyo as a matter that should concern every resident, arguing that increased public revenue ought to generate corresponding improvements in the lives of citizens.
It said the controversy over allocations, hunger and local government autonomy would remain part of the issues it would place before the people of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation further said the people of the state would have the opportunity to decide the direction of governance in Oyo State at the next election.
