Reactions have continued to trail the planned renovation of the Oyo State Government House with a sum of N63.4 billion by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
‘’This is a waste. It is a misplaced priority. There are many areas that need attention. Agriculture , roads within Ibadan, education and others need attention.It is just a waste of resources. He has just two years to go. It may be for political reasons and the rumoured presidential ambition’’.
The Secretary of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) in Oyo State, Ayodeji Adigun, said it was a misplaced priority.
SPN stated that Makinde’s attempt to attribute the current debt crisis solely to previous administrations is both disingenuous and evasive.
He said: “The attention of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), Oyo State Chapter, has been drawn to the justification by Engr. Seyi Makinde-led government for its decision to allocate the colossal sum of N63.4 billion for the renovation of the Government House.
“The administration’s claim that this expenditure is necessary to address the effects of exchange rate volatility and the burden of debt servicing is weak, fundamentally flawed, and completely lacks merit.
“We of the SPN, therefore, maintain that the approval of N63.4 billion for the renovation of the Government House, amidst deepening economic hardship faced by the overwhelming majority of working people in Oyo State, remains a glaring example of misplaced priorities.
“Governor Makinde’s attempt to attribute the current debt crisis solely to previous administrations is both disingenuous and evasive. While it is true that past governments contributed to the debt burden, the current administration has also significantly escalated the state’s debt profile through questionable expenditures and unsustainable borrowing.
“According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as of 2019, before the Makinde-led administration took office, the total debt incurred by the successive governments, including the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led regime, stood at approximately N129 billion. This comprised N94 billion in domestic debt and N32 billion in external debt. However, within just 15 months of Governor Makinde’s tenure, this figure reportedly rose by N140 billion, bringing the total debt burden to around N266 billion.
“In light of this, it is both hypocritical and misleading to lay all the blame on previous administrations while ignoring the fiscal recklessness carried out by the current regime. Even more troubling is the administration’s decision to prioritise an extravagant and non-essential project like the renovation of the Government House, especially during a time of widespread economic distress.
“The notion that exchange rate challenges and debt repayment obligations justify such lavish expenditure defies logic. If anything, these challenges should have prompted the government to cut the jumbo pays and opulent lifestyles of top government functionaries as well as its spending on prestige projects and cronyism, and instead channel scarce public resources into areas that directly address the critical needs of the working masses.
“Also deeply concerning is the simultaneous proposal to procure aircraft for security surveillance. While we recognise the importance of public safety, spending public funds on aircraft in a state where public hospitals lack basic medical equipment, public schools are in disrepair, and rural communities remain grossly underserved is both indefensible and irresponsible. These initiatives reveal a government more interested in prestige and luxury than in the real struggles of ordinary people”.
A leader of the All Progressives Congress [APC] in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao has advised members of the State House of Assembly and residents of the state to demand accountability from the governor.
Alao condemned Makinde for allegedly planning to spend the state taxpayers’ money on projects not captured in the 2025 budget, describing the move as a gross misplacement of priorities and a reckless waste of public funds.
He called on the state House of Assembly and people of the state to demand transparency and accountability.
He insisted that all government spending must strictly follow the law and reflect the needs of ordinary citizens.
He stated that, “At a time when Oyo State is grappling with a growing debt profile and residents are facing untold economic hardship, it is unconscionable for Governor Makinde to contemplate such extravagant spending outside the approved budget.
“Official budget documents and the governor’s own presentation to the House of Assembly show that the largest allocation for 2025 is for infrastructure, with N152 billion earmarked for critical projects like roads and public facilities, not for the reconstruction of the Government House or luxury landscaping.
“Education and health receive N145 billion and N59 billion respectively, reflecting the real priorities of the people in this period of economic instability.
“The 2025 budget is supposed to address economic hardship, boost education, and improve healthcare. Diverting funds to vanity projects not approved by the legislature is a betrayal of public trust and a slap in the face of suffering families across Oyo State”.
A former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress [TUC], Andrew Emelieze,said: ‘’ This must be a slip of tongue, this is actually unbelievable, I really can’t believe this is real, probably a dream. I am most disappointed in Seyi Makinde, he should not do this to the people of Oyo state.In the midst of all the numerous challenges confronting Oyo state, what Seyi would do is to add salt to injury.
‘’However, this also confirms that corruption has been the trend under the Seyi administration. Therefore one can conclude that Governor Seyi Makinde has succeeded in reporting himself to the Nigerian people, what is left to be done is that the people should call for a forensic probe of his administration . In conclusion Seyi’s proposal has succeeded in making a statement, it is left for Nigerians to interpret it appropriately, this is really very unfortunate’’.
