Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has declared that he stands by his claim that the Federal Government is withholding the NLNG dividends due to state and local government.
Makinde dares Presidency over NLNG Dividends
Challenging the Federal Governments to public probity and accountability, he restated his stance in reaction to a statement earlier today by the Presidency on the issue.
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated that the Presidency, in its response sidestepped the main bone of contention in the issue raised by Makinde.
He noted that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), with the Federal Government’s support, engaged a consultant to reconcile NLNG dividend payments.
“The exercise identified a shortfall of about ₦9 trillion due to states and local governments. The Federal Government accepted the findings.
“The report remains in the custody of both the Federal Government and the NGF. We trust the Presidency will not deny its existence.
“Governor Makinde is the NGF’s incumbent Vice-Chairman.
“The Presidency stated that NLNG had paid $21.5 billion in dividends into the Federation Account since inception, including $3 billion received under the current administration. But it did not explain how these funds were disbursed.
“Have states and local governments received their shares? How much did they receive, and how were those amounts calculated? What happened to the $3 billion received under this administration?
“Governor Makinde conducts public discourse with decorum and does not make unfounded claims or quote figures without a basis.
“We remain ready to provide further clarification while we urge the Presidency to address the substance of the matter,” the governor’s media aide declared.
