Time for our Governors to Account for Palliative Support, Bumper Allocation from FG

By Taiwo Olapade

Since the inception of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the monthly allocation to the 36 States across the federation and the 774 Local Government Areas nationwide has been on a steady increase.

The increase in the monthly allocation to the three tiers of government from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) was largely due to the money saved from the fuel subsidy removal announced by the President during his swearing-in at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

However, surprisingly, the astronomical increase in the monthly allocations to States and Local Government Areas in the country is yet to reflect positively on the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Records have also shown that in the last eight months of this administration, about ₦3.3 trillion had been shared to States and Local Government Areas in the country. The question to ask is, do we see the value of this humongous amount in reality in terms of infrastructural development and social well-being of the people? The answer is No.

The President, in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal, approved the release of ₦2 billion each to 36 states and the FCT to cushion the effect through the distribution of food items and cash transfer to the people. The question again is, how many of the states have done the needful with the money?

The lack of judicious use of the funds accrued to the states is the major reason for the continued and sustained pressure on the Federal Government.

Nigerians are quick to put every blame on President Tinubu or the Federal Government, forgetting that the other two tiers of government are expected to complement the role of the government at the center.

The time is now to ask our Governors and the Council chairmen what they have done with monies received from the federal government in the last eight months.

The truth is if every other Governor has demonstrated commitment and sincerity of purpose to the oath of office sworn to, to protect lives, property and initiated people-oriented programs like Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, the economic hardships in the land would have reduced.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative of the President, has also implemented several programs fully funded towards ameliorating the sufferings of the people especially, the aged, women, and the youths across the states of the federation.

These she has done in collaboration with the office of Wives of State Governors and Ministers, ensuring that it was not politicized and no one is left behind.

However, the situation is now so tempting that Nigerians in some states have taken to the streets to protest the high cost of food prices and other consumables that are now beyond the reach of the common man.

No thanks to the devaluation of the Naira, which has continued to lose its face value.

We must be bold to ask our various Governors what they have done with the money received from the Federal Government since July last year. If we are not convinced with the response, then let us call them out.