Gov Makinde denies receiving 570bn hardship fund from FG

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This denial follows President Bola Tinubu's recent national broadcast, where he asserted that the funds were distributed to all 36 states to alleviate economic hardship.

In his address, President Tinubu stated, "More than ₦570bn has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nano-businesses are expected to benefit."

However, Governor Makinde refuted these claims in a newsletter dated August 2024 and shared via his official X handle.

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"The Federal Government did not give Oyo State any money. We were reimbursed funds—₦5.98 billion initially and ₦822 million subsequently—that we had already invested in the three result areas of NG-CARES, including inputs distribution to smallholder farmers within our State," Makinde clarified.

Makinde emphasised that these funds were not part of the alleged hardship grant but were reimbursements for pre-existing investments.

He further highlighted Oyo State's model for the distribution of inputs, which was so effective that the World Bank adopted it as the NG-CARES standard.

The Governor's statement comes amid growing nationwide unrest sparked by widespread hunger and economic hardship.

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The #EndBadGovernance protests, which have been largely peaceful, turned violent in some northern states.

Reports indicate that hoodlums looted government and private properties, with some protesters brandishing Russian flags—a move condemned as treasonous.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has since arrested several individuals, including seven Polish nationals, believed to be involved in orchestrating the violence. The DSS has promised to reveal the names of those behind the violent outbreaks.

Governor Makinde's denial of the Federal Government's claim adds another layer to the ongoing debates about the nation's economic management and the efficacy of government interventions.

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