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Groups Differ Over Osun Finances, Aregbesola’s Probe

Published

4 years ago

March 16, 2022

A group, The Osun Masterminds, has asked for a probe into the finances of Osun State during the tenure of Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as the governor of the state.

The group also called on the state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to speak about the state of the government that he inherited, saying the people deserve to know.

Speaking against the backdrop of a sharp drop in the monthly allocation accruable to the state, TOM’s Executive Director, Dr. Wasiu Alli-Oyeniyi, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday, expressed concern over deficit of N375 million that the state got from the Federation Account in February 2022.

He said, “In the month ended February 2022, Osun State Government received a negative allocation of N-375million from the FAAC, out of a possible N1.45bn. The implication of this is that the state will be paying back an extra sum of N375million from next month’s allocation, plus the deductions already waiting in that month.

“The governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, must as a matter of importance and the very near future, speak about the state of the government he inherited. The state’s people deserve to know why their state is in the state of affliction that it presently is. When the people can rightly appropriate blame, working together to get out of the quagmire becomes easier.

“The state government needs to, as a matter of urgency, conduct a financial sustainability exercise that will look into the core areas of finances of the state, the capacity it has for survival and the steps it needs to take to correct past errors.

“Such exercise may necessarily include a probe of the past administration’s financial actions, with a view to issuing necessary white papers where necessary, to reprimand persons found guilty of poor actions.”

But reacting, another group, Progressives Minded Forum, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Sunday Oriowo, accused the state government of sponsoring The Osun Masterminds to discredit Aregbesola.

The PMF, however, supported the call asking Oyetola to tell the people of the state the actual debt profile when he took over power in 2018, the repayment method and projects that the loans were expended on.

The group also challenged Oyetola to disclose deductions which made the state to receive negative allocation from FAAC and the actual amount being generated as Internally Generated Revenue.

“Mr Governor sir, members of the public would like to know ‘other deductions’ which put the state into negative in the February allocation. The people will also like to know how you have been funding the little projects you have embarked upon since all your claim is ‘there is no money in the state.’

“Besides, it is pathetic that a supposed objective group would close its eyes to the non-disclosure of N11.9bn refund to the Osun State government on Federal Government projects executed by Aregbesola, but rather continue to blame the former governor for the debt,” Oriowo said.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Information, Funke Egbemode, said Oyetola’s government did not sponsor any group to attack or demand Aregbesola’s probe.

She said, “The Osun Masterminds is not an agency of government in Osun. We didn’t sponsor anybody.

“If people are saying the truth, say they are saying the truth. If they lie against you, defend yourself. Don’t leave the message and the messenger and be chasing shadows.”

PUNCH

Related Topics:Aregbesola Osun Osun Finances

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Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

14 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

16 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.