The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has accused Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, of lacking a clear economic direction.
SSACO: Makinde lacks economic direction
It criticised the governor over his recent television interview, saying he lacked the strategy to translate increased federal allocations into productive activities and job creation in the state.
SSACO stated that the interview exposed what it described as the governor’s inability to explain how his administration had utilised the increased revenue accruing to Oyo State since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
The organisation stated in a statement that the increased revenue should have enabled the state government to create an environment conducive to industrialisation, attract investments and expand economic opportunities for residents.
“It is a sign of cluelessness to have huge funds and have no idea how to use it to enable productive economic activities,” SSACO Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, stated.
The organisation further questioned the administration’s handling of electricity infrastructure, alleging that Makinde spent ₦8.5 billion on what it described as a failed electricity project.
SSACO accused the governor of criticising the Federal Government over electricity challenges, while failing to take advantage of the Electricity Act 2023 to improve power generation and distribution in the state.
It cited Lagos, Ekiti and Abia as examples of states that had taken steps to leverage the legislation to develop their electricity sectors and improve power supply to businesses and households.
The campaign organisation also criticised Makinde’s economic leadership, arguing that the state had not witnessed the level of industrial development and job creation it expected despite the increased federal revenue.
The criticism followed Makinde’s recent interview on Arise TV, during which the governor argued that increased federal allocations alone could not guarantee economic prosperity.
He also emphasised the need to rebuild the country’s productive capacity through industrialisation and job creation.
Makinde also reportedly referenced the collapse of major industries, including Leyland Assembly Plant, Exide Battery, Ferodo and Iso Glass, among others, to illustrate the deterioration of Oyo State’s industrial base.
Meanwhile, SSACO said its principal, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, would address what it described as the shortcomings of the present administration, if elected governor in 2027.
It listed some of the proposals under Alli’s Oyo AHEAD agenda as the establishment of a state electricity regulator, promotion of solar energy, provision of low-interest loans to businesses, revival of the free trade zone and creation of a ₦10 billion youth development fund.
The organisation also argued that Alli’s relationship with the Federal Government would enable Oyo State to attract greater benefits and opportunities.
It urged residents to support the senator’s governorship ambition, insisting that the state deserved better economic leadership.
