THE Presidency yesterday described as false Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde’s latest claim that the federal government was withholding N250 billion in NLNG dividend windfall for each state of the federation, asking that it be disregarded.
It also noted that, going by Governor Makinde’s claim, a one-off distribution of N250 billion to each of the 36 states would amount to N9 trillion, excluding the federal government, FCT and the 774 local councils, adding that NLNG had never paid $25 billion in dividends to the Federation Account in a single payout.
The governor, who is also the presidential candidate of Allied Peoples Movement, APM, had alleged that the federal government was withholding the amount meant for states until the 2027 elections were over.
But in a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said any claim that a single payout exceeded the company’s entire lifetime distribution to the federation, and was being withheld, defied basic logic and economic reality.
However, the governor, through the Makinde-Daura Campaign Organisation, double-down on his allegation last night, dismissing the Presidency’s denial and insisting the President was running a voodoo economy.
The Presidency’s statement read: “The Presidency wishes to clarify Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim that the federal government is withholding N250 billion in NLNG dividends for each state of the federation.
“At the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at the Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Friday, Makinde claimed the funds would not be released until after the 2027 elections. He further claimed that the federal government had spent the money.
“‘Each state was supposed to get N250 billion. We had already identified projects that would expand Oyo State’s economy. But they have now said the money will not be paid until after the election. Is the election more important than the people of Nigeria?’ the governor further said.
The Presidency said ‘Makinde’s latest claim that the federal government is withholding the NLNG dividend windfall is false and should be disregarded.’
