Governor Seyi Makinde Denies Involvement in ₦570 Billion Hardship Fund Amid Nationwide Protests; President Tinubu Announces Fiscal Gains and Support for Nano-Businesses
Seyi Makinde of Oyo State denies allegations that he was involved in the ₦570 billion hardship grant supposedly allocated to state governments by the Federal Government. The governor clarified that neither he nor his administration received or participated in the distribution of this grant, addressing concerns and ensuring transparency regarding the funds.
In a broadcast addressing the #EndBadGovernance protests, President Bola Tinubu announced that the Federal Government has disbursed ₦570 billion to the 36 states to support citizens. He also revealed that Nigeria spends ₦2 trillion monthly on importing petrol and diesel. Additionally, Tinubu reported that the Federal Government collected ₦9.1 trillion in fiscal revenue in the first half of 2024, a notable increase from previous earnings. He highlighted that over 600,000 nano-businesses have received grants, with plans to extend support to another 400,000.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State addresses recent controversies by clarifying in his August 2024 newsletter that the state did not receive any portion of the ₦570 billion hardship fund claimed by President Bola Tinubu. Makinde explained that Oyo State had been reimbursed ₦5.98 billion and ₺822 million for investments in the NG-CARES program, which supports smallholder farmers. He emphasized that these funds were not a direct grant for hardship but were used for targeted development projects. This clarification comes amid ongoing nationwide protests over economic challenges.
The recent nationwide protests, which were mostly peaceful, turned violent in some northern states. There, hoodlums looted goods and vandalized properties belonging to both the government and private individuals. In a troubling development, some protesters in the north displayed the Russian flag, an act widely condemned as treasonous. The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several individuals, including seven Polish nationals, and is investigating the sponsors of the violence. The DSS has promised to disclose the names of those responsible for inciting the unrest.
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