GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state on Wednesday stormed the office of the Minister of Finance in Abuja, Kemi Adeosun, to demand the release of the state’s share of last month’s statutory federal allocation.
He had earlier raised alarm that the All Progressive Congress (APC) federal government has stopped the state’s January allocation in an alleged effort to ground development activities in the state.
Dressed in a black trouser and multi-colored strip shirt, the governor drove into the premises of the ministry at about 3.30pm in a single Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) without any of his aide.
On arrival, he introduced himself to the ministry’s security guards who directed him to the minister’s office on the seventh floor of the building.
But the minister was not on seat as she was said to have been attending the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa.
He however met with other top officials of the ministry who assured that something would be done about the matter.
Speaking to Tribune Online while leaving the Ministry, Fayose advised the federal government not to do anything to harm the people of Ekiti state.
He said if the government has anything against him as a person; it should face him rather than visit the sin on innocent people of the state.
Fayose added: “Well, I’m hopeful that the money will be paid. I’m told that there is a mix up somewhere. I want to believe so. If it is in the realm of mix up, it’s ok. Ekiti workers are waiting to have this money to be paid with minimum delay.
“It’s well over two three weeks since we came for FAAC (Federal Accounts Allocation Committee) and I’m sure now that the minister has come back, it will not take time.
“But I hope this will not repeat itself because these are statutory obligations to my state. It is our right and by no means should politics take away our right.
“If the APC government has issues with me, they should face me and not deny the average man on the street their legitimate salaries having worked for 30 days.
“But I want to appreciate the minister; I want to thank her because she called me personally and assured me that things would be resolved.
“But I felt I should come because the people of Ekiti expect me to act on their behalf and that’s exactly what I have done.
“I didn’t meet that minister but I met the SA (Special Assistant) who assured me that the minister went to FEC and that when she is back, he would convey my message to her and he assured me that all would be fine in due course.”
When the Nigerian Tribune contacted the Minister of Finance on the issue, she said she was not aware of it.
Asked whether Ekiti state allocation was being withheld, Adeosun said: “Federal allocation is given monthly. I’m not aware of this.”
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