Governments of Makinde Refute ₦300 Billion Loan Accusation; APC Legislator Criticized for Irresponsible Claims
In a recent turn of events, the Oyo State Government has refuted allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding a ₦300 billion fresh loan. The Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor described the allegation as "mischievous" and "reckless."
The controversy arose when an APC lawmaker claimed that Governor Seyi Makinde was planning to secure a ₦300 billion loan. However, both the Oyo State House of Assembly and the special adviser have denied such a loan, with the statement not mentioning any new loans being taken by the Oyo State government.
The government has been vocal about the financial challenges faced by the state under the APC's eight years of rule. According to the government, Oyo State had a grounded economy, unpaid salaries, abandoned projects, and suffocating debts during this period.
On the contrary, the Makinde administration has taken tough but strategic financial decisions to move Oyo State out of financial difficulties. The House of Assembly has approved ₦149 billion for refinancing, which involves replacing an older, more expensive loan with a new facility on better terms. This move is seen as responsible financial management by the government.
Moreover, the House of Assembly also approved ₦151 billion for infrastructure investment and contractor financing. Contractor financing ensures that critical projects are completed without choking government cash flow.
Ibrahim Shittu, a lawmaker, raised concerns about the loan, stating he was not informed of the August 19 emergency plenary. However, the government has not yet addressed these concerns publicly.
It is important to note that there is no publicly available information on who supported Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2027 PDP presidential election as the event has not yet occurred.
The government has been highlighting the improvements made by the Makinde administration, such as moving Oyo State out of the trenches. The opposition's claims of a ₦300 billion loan have been met with a strong denial and a call for fact-checking before spreading misinformation.
The statement also contrasted the current administration's record with that of the APC, stating that Oyo State was reduced to a "civil service state" under the APC's rule. The APC lawmaker was also criticized for not attending plenaries, and there has been a 75% increase in FAAC allocations to Oyo State, according to the government, contrary to the lawmaker's claim of a 500% increase.
In light of these developments, it appears that the Oyo State Government is focused on managing its finances responsibly and improving the state's infrastructure, rather than taking on large, unsubstantiated loans.
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