Former minister of aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on Wednesday said Federal Government’s refusal to release the monthly allocation to Ekiti State Government is petty, vindictive and reprehensible.
Simply because the courageous Ayo Fayose has become the rallying point of opposition against Muhammadu Buhari does not mean that the people of Ekiti state should suffer.
I call on Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to intervene in this matter expeditiously and release the Ekiti State Governnent’s allocation forthwith.
Recall that Ekiti state Governor, Ayode Fayose yesterday addressed the media over the seizure of the state’s allocation while alleging that FG has plans to cripple activities under his administration.
Fayose’s words, “I called you here today to intimate you about the new plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government to cripple our state by rendering it impossible for the government to carry out its statutory financial obligations.
“It is alarming that while we were almost concluding that the siege on Ekiti and its people by the APC government in Abuja, with full collaboration from leaders of the party in Ekiti State had stopped, we are now being confronted with yet another shenanigan by those who won’t mind to see Ekiti people die of hunger just to achieve their selfish political agenda ahead of the 2018 election.
“The question is; if they have issues with Fayose politically, must they suffer the innocent government workers?
“Two weeks ago, some top functionaries of the APC in Ekiti State met in Abuja where it was decided that renew efforts should be made to cripple the State. It was agreed that the federal government must be made to stop all intervention funds to Ekiti State while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be used to cripple the finances of contractors handling government legacy projects.
“The game plan is that the moment workers do not receive their salary, they will hate me and my party, the PDP and this they believe will translate to votes for them in 2018.
“This new onslaught against Ekiti State and its people started with the stoppage of the State January allocation and statutory budget support fund.
“While all states in Nigeria received their full allocation from the federation account last month, the budget support fund was not release to Ekiti State thereby making it impossible for the state to meet its financial obligations, most especially the payment of salaries.