Dare Babalola
A Peoples Democratic Party group in Oyo State, Oyo PDP-Visionaries, has asked former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, to show actual evidence that Governor Seyi Makinde received N50bn from the Federal Government as relief funds for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion.
Recall that Fayose released a document on Sunday to back his earlier claim that Makinde embezzled the intervention fund he received from the Federal Government and failed to acknowledge receipt of the money.
The group, in a statement authorised by its coordinator, Qudus Olayide, and made available to journalists on Sunday, described Fayose’s allegation as misleading and unfounded.
Olayide berated Fayose for allegedly attempting to justify his claim that Makinde received N50bn from the Federal Government by presenting a letter from the Ministry of Finance, which, according to the group, only showed requests from states.
The group stated that while it was shameful for Fayose to allegedly mislead the public to discredit Makinde, it was even more disturbing that he reportedly attempted to pass off a request letter as evidence of approval.
The group challenged Fayose to publish a document showing actual approval of the funds, stressing that not all Nigerians were “dropouts or half-literate” and unable to distinguish between a request and an approval.
“Today, we join the rest of the world to stand against half-education; it is worse than evil. We have seen its effects in society, but its manifestation in the life of a former Ekiti State governor has shown how devastating illiteracy can be,” the statement partly read.
It further alleged that Fayose was motivated by personal interests to attack Makinde and accused him of presenting a request letter as evidence of fund approval.
The group described Fayose as unserious, likening him to a “court jester,” and urged him to desist from further actions that could bring embarrassment to himself and Ekiti State.
“There should be a limit to foolhardiness and shamelessness. Mr Fayose, who governed Ekiti State for two terms, should know the limit before further disgracing himself and the state,” the statement added.
The group also hailed Makinde as a transparent and people-centred leader, warning Fayose against distracting the Oyo State governor with what it described as “low-level, opportunistic politics.”
