President Tinubu Laments to Olubadan How Governors Wasted Funds Meant to Improve Nigerians’ Lives, Says Many building flyovers where there is no traffic
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lamented what he described as the misapplication of public funds by some state governors, saying resources meant to improve the quality of life of Nigerians have been channelled into projects that do not adequately address the needs of the people.
The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who led a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing the Olubadan, a former Governor of Oyo State, Tinubu appealed to him to use his experience and influence to encourage governors across the country to place greater emphasis on infrastructure that enhances security, economic activities and the welfare of citizens.
“You have governed before. You need to help us communicate with these governors. They need to do more. Instead of building flyovers where there is no numeric traffic, they should build more road networks and arteries to enhance the quality of life and support security agencies to penetrate those areas,” the President said.
President Tinubu also explained why the Federal Government refused to pay ransom for the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the decision was based on intelligence and the government’s understanding of the terrain where the victims were held.
“We refused to pay ransom for the release of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers because we know the geography of the forest. We know what it is and, in answer to it, from eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time to defeat terrorism and banditry. It is very necessary, and we are doing so,” he stated.
The President noted that expanding the number of security divisions is part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen internal security, improve response time and intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry across the country.
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was accompanied on the visit by members of the Oyo State Council of Obas, including the Aare Ago of Ogbomosoland, the Osi Olubadan, the Balogun of Ibadanland, the Onigbeti of Igbeti, the Alajawa of Ajawa, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, the Aseyin of Iseyin and Mogaji Wole Arisekola. Also present were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, and Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Nigerians through people-centred infrastructure and strengthened security, while urging governors to align their spending priorities with projects that deliver tangible benefits to citizens and support national development.