A former Minister of Power and Steel and the Convener of the Oyo State Grassroots Financial Accountability Initiative, Elder Wole Oyelese, on Friday, challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to account for statutory funds as a result of state’s thirty-three native authorities areas.
He mentioned the governor ought to tackle questions surrounding native authorities funds because the state authorities couldn’t legitimately demand accountability from Abuja whereas failing to offer a clear account of funds meant for grassroots improvement.
“Governor Makinde, your demand for monetary accountability from the federal authorities is respectable, however accountability can’t be selective.
“If you insist that Abuja must release money due to Oyo state, the people of Oyo state are equally entitled to ask what has happened to the funds due to their 33 local governments in the past eight years,” he mentioned.
He acknowledged the governor’s proper to demand cost of any excellent funds legitimately owed the state by the federal authorities, however insisted that such a requirement didn’t absolve his administration of the accountability to account for the native governments’ allocations.
He famous that the difficulty went past political disagreements between the state and federal governments, saying the dealing with of native authorities funds had direct implications for the welfare of residents, notably these in rural communities who depend upon grassroots authorities for important providers.
He additionally demanded explanations for all deductions, prices and transfers made after the funds reached the native governments, together with the identities of those that authorised such transactions and the authorized provisions beneath which they have been carried out.
He additional requested for particulars of expenditure by every native authorities, the initiatives on which the funds have been spent.
