Makinde not responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes, aide tells APC’s Alli
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Special Adviser on Media to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has dismissed allegations by the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation linking the governor to Nigeria’s economic hardship.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olanrewaju described the allegation as misplaced, arguing that the economic challenges facing Nigerians were largely driven by national policies and macroeconomic conditions beyond the control of individual state governments.
He said the depreciation of the naira, removal of petrol subsidy and rising inflation had weakened purchasing power and increased the cost of food, transportation, medicine and production inputs nationwide, adding that no state governor could independently reverse such pressures.
Similarly, Olanrewaju faulted the assumption that increased allocations from the Federation Account automatically translated into improved economic conditions for states, noting that inflation and currency depreciation had eroded the real value of the funds. He cited Makinde’s description of the situation as a “Voodoo Economy”, arguing that revenue figures must be assessed alongside rising costs.
The governor’s aide also rejected claims that Makinde was responsible for challenges surrounding local government autonomy, describing the matter as a constitutional and institutional issue involving the Federal Government, state governments, the National Assembly and the judiciary.
“Local government autonomy is a constitutional matter currently under judicial review and legislative consideration,” he said, questioning why Makinde should be blamed for what he described as the Federal Government’s inability to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment.
He further maintained that the constitutional provisions governing the State Joint Local Government Account remained relevant to the debate and should be addressed through established legal and legislative processes rather than political accusations.
Olanrewaju urged political actors to prioritise policy discussions, governance records and practical solutions to the hardship facing Nigerians, adding that the Makinde administration had continued to implement policies within Oyo State’s available resources. He maintained that citizens deserved factual and responsible debate rather than attempts to personalise economic challenges affecting the entire country.
