Governors Deny Akpabio’s Claim of N1tn Federal Government Lifeline Amid Food Crisis

State governors have vehemently denied Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s assertion that the Federal Government disbursed N1.08tn to address the food crisis in the country. During the inauguration of a renovated mosque in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, refuted Akpabio’s claim that each state received N30bn, challenging the Senate President to provide evidence.

Governor Makinde, speaking on behalf of his colleagues from Lagos, Zamfara, Benue, Osun, Katsina, and Enugu states, declared that the states did not receive N30bn each. He emphasized that such funds could not be directly given by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and insisted on transparency in financial matters.

Akpabio, during a recent plenary session, urged the governors to utilize the funds judiciously to alleviate the high cost of food items and other challenges facing the country. He emphasized the importance of taking concrete actions to ensure food availability.

Responding to the challenge, Governor Makinde questioned the reliance on unverified reports and stressed the need for evidence. Other states, including Lagos, Osun, Benue, Katsina, and Sokoto, echoed Makinde’s denial, with officials refuting the receipt of N30bn from the Federal Government.

The Commissioner for Information in Lagos, Gbenga Omotoso, rejected the claim and affirmed that the state government’s actions are for the people’s interest, not influenced by any external funds. Other states similarly dismissed Akpabio’s statement, emphasizing the transparency of their financial records.