PRESIDENCY FAULTS GOVERNOR MAKINDE’S ECONOMIC CRITICISMS AS OYO GOVERNOR DEMANDS CONCRETE ANSWERS ON FEDERAL POLICIES

Presidential spokesman rejects Oyo State Governor’s assessment of federal economic reforms while Governor Makinde insists citizens require clear timelines and measurable outcomes

The Presidency has rejected sharp criticisms levied against the Federal Government’s economic policies by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, prompting a swift response from the governor, who demanded transparent accountability and clear timelines for economic recovery.

The exchange began after Governor Makinde publicly criticized the federal government's economic management, contending that recent macroeconomic policies, subsidy removals, and foreign exchange reforms have inflicted severe hardship on ordinary citizens across the country.

Faulting the governor’s stance, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy issued a counter-statement, describing Governor Makinde’s comments as politically motivated and ill-informed. The Presidency asserted that federal subventions to state governments, including Oyo State, have more than doubled under current fiscal reforms, urging state executives to focus on utilizing increased statutory allocations to cushion the impact on their residents.

In a prompt reaction, Governor Makinde rejected the Presidency’s defense, maintaining that the issue at hand goes beyond increased federal revenue allocations to the real, day-to-day purchasing power of Nigerians. The governor demanded that federal authorities provide concrete answers regarding inflation control, food security measures, and realistic benchmarks for economic stabilization.

The verbal exchange highlights the growing tension between federal policymakers and state chief executives over the implementation, messaging, and social burden of sweeping structural reforms nationwide.