Subsidy palliative: Osun govt has received only N2b from FG, says Adeleke

• Explains that N7b is for infrastructure intervention

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Osun State government disclosed, on Sunday, that it has received only Two Billion Naira from the Federal Government for subsidy palliatives.
The Governor Ademola Adeleke-led Osun State government clarified that the Seven Billion Naira federal refund to the state was specifically designated for infrastructure intervention.
The clarification was made in a statement issued Sunday by the office of the State Governor, in reaction to what the government called “deliberate falsehood and misinformation” by the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
Governor Adeleke, according to a press statement by his Spokesperson,
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, explained that the N2 Billion naira released for subsidy palliatives is already being disbursed for food palliatives, transport services and refurbishment of health centers.
In the statement, the Osun State Government clarified that “only Two Billion Naira was so far received from the Federal Government for subsidy palliatives, while the Seven Billion Naira Federal refund to the state was specifically designated for infrastructure intervention”.
The office of the State Governor, in the statement, slammed what it called “deliberate falsehood and misinformation by APC’s operatives who are in disarray over the wonderful performance and transparency of Mr Governor at the Ipade Imole which was televised live and live streamed across new media platforms.
“At the Ipade Imole, Governor Adeleke told the people of the state that the N2 Billion naira released for subsidy palliatives is being disbursed for food palliatives, transport services and refurbishment of health centers. Procurement orders are already placed”, it said.
On the N7 billion naira federal refund, the Governor explained in both Yoruba and English languages that “it was designated for infrastructure intervention and constitutes less than 20 percent of the total money Osun State Government is committing to infrastructure upgrade.
“Mr Governor further provided details of the proposed infrastructure projects to include dualisation of roads, building of overhead bridges, mass solar lightning of major roads, upgrades of hospitals, water intervention projects and Imole Housing estates, all across the nine federal constituencies. Due process and compliance with procurement laws are underway.
“This government is committed to transparency and accountability in the spirit of open government and Freedom of Information. Our people understand, appreciate and support Mr. Governor and the good intentions of his administration.