Table of Contents
- Advice from APC National Chairman
- Governors as Beneficiaries
- Timeliness of the Call
- Infrastructure Deficit
- Change in Mindset
- Need for Accountability
- Final Appeal
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, urged Nigerians on Tuesday to follow the guidance of the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, by demanding more from their governors.
Okechukwu emphasized that the governors are the primary beneficiaries of the elimination of the fuel subsidy.
He pointed out that this call is timely, as many citizens continue to suffer from multidimensional poverty and local insecurity.
In a statement he released, Okechukwu lamented that Nigerians are still facing an infrastructure deficit, despite record increases in the funds received by the states from the Federal Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC).
He stated: “In my assessment of the events concerning the subnationals, it is evident that the States and Local Government Areas are the largest beneficiaries of the removal of the fuel subsidy.”
“The estimated expenditures on fuel subsidy are as follows: 2010-N667 billion, 2011-N2.11 trillion, 2012-N1.36 trillion, 2013-N1.32 trillion, 2014-N1.22 trillion, 2015-N654 billion, 2016-N240 billion, 2017-N154 billion, 2018-N1.9 trillion, 2019-N508 billion, 2020-N864 billion, 2021-N1.43 trillion, 2022-N4.39 trillion, 2023-N3.6 trillion.” Source – NEITI, IMF, etc.
The APC leader called for a shift in mindset, arguing that the “blame game” should not solely target the Federal Government, as if federal revenue rests solely in the hands of the President.
Okechukwu noted that Yilwatda’s appeal serves as a reminder that accountability should extend downward, highlighting that Tinubu has shown a tangible commitment to national renewal through reforms in energy and significant funding for security.
“In conclusion, I earnestly appeal to adhere to Professor Yilwatda’s advice as a challenge to recommit to development, particularly to the APC governors, especially now that we have a significant majority of them,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main message from Osita Okechukwu?
Osita Okechukwu urged Nigerians to demand more accountability from their governors, highlighting that they are the primary beneficiaries of the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Why is the call for accountability important now?
The call for accountability is crucial as many citizens are still facing poverty and insecurity, and there has been a significant increase in funds to the states from the Federal Allocation Accounts Committee.
What changes does Okechukwu want to see in governance?
Okechukwu desires a change in mindset where blame is not solely placed on the Federal Government, as well as a commitment from governors to focus on development and accountability.
