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We Received ₦30Bn, Not ₦50Bn From FG For Ibadan Explosion — Makinde’s Aide
The Oyo State Government has clarified that it received N30 billion, not N50 billion, from the Federal Government following the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.
The statement was made on Sunday by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, amid allegations by former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose.
Fayose had claimed during a television interview that Makinde received N50bn from President Bola Tinubu after the explosion, to which Makinde challenged him to provide evidence.
On Sunday, Fayose, through his former aide Lere Olayinka, posted documents on X, insisting they proved the ₦50bn intervention.
“Two days ago, I said on a national television that Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde got a sum of N50bn from the Federal Government as intervention on the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan.
“Yesterday, the Governor responded by asking me to provide evidence that he received such money, and here is the evidence he asked for,” Fayose said.
The evidence shared by Ayodele Fayose. Photo credit: Lere Olayinka/X
Olanrewaju, in an opinion on Oyo affairs, dismissed the claim as misleading.
“Recent comments attributed to former Governor Ayodele Fayose, alleging that the Federal Government handed N50 billion to Seyi Makinde and that the governor stayed silent to save it for his presidential ambition, are not only misleading, they are deliberately disingenuous.
“The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde N50 billion. This is why Fayose was unable to provide evidence. In fact, the memo he shared shows what was not disbursed,” he said.
Olanrewaju explained that after the Bodija explosion, Tinubu did not visit Oyo State, saying Makinde personally travelled to Abuja with a comprehensive report and a formal request for support.
“Although the Federal Government promised N50 billion, only N30 billion was released. The remaining ₦20 billion was withheld after Makinde refused demands for inducements.
“When it was time to act, only N30 billion was released. This partial release came with demands for inducements tied to the remaining balance. Governor Makinde refused. As a result, the remaining ₦20 billion was withheld,” he said.
He added that what mattered was the utilisation of released funds, saying a transparent committee oversaw disbursement, ensuring accountability and proper use.
“Of the N30 billion released, some money went directly to victims as immediate support, while the remainder was used for rebuilding and restoration,” Olanrewaju said.
He said reconstruction work is ongoing with roads repaired, security policies upgraded, and a memorial is planned at ground zero.
Fayose, however, maintained that Makinde did not fully disclose federal intervention funds.
“Meanwhile, only N4.5bn was released to victims of the Ibadan explosion. Rather, he diverted this fund and many others to his presidential ambition, which is the reason for the crisis in the PDP and his attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government.
“Even though it is not in my character to go public with official government documents, I had to do this so that Nigerians will know who is saying the truth, and who has not been sincere with the people of Oyo State.
“Most importantly, if as a governor, you go on national television to disclose part of what transpired in private meetings with the President, it becomes the duty of well-meaning Nigerians to give full disclosure. Lastly, I challenge Governor Seyi Makinde to sue me. I also have proofs of other intervention funds received from Tinubu’s administration which he refused to disclose,” Fayose had claimed.
Olanrewaju said the N4.5 billion represented direct support to victims, or 15 per cent of the total released, with the remainder deployed for reconstruction and other interventions.
“The N4.5 billion often quoted refers to direct support to victims. This represents 15 per cent of the total sum released. Governor Makinde found a way of giving 15 per cent back to landlords and even tenants as direct support in his usual show of empathy,” he said.
He dismissed allegations that Makinde was dishonest or disconnected from his party structure as “dead on arrival,” stressing that the governor remains one of the few serving PDP governors, with a mandate rooted in performance, credibility, and public trust.
“Governor Makinde has made his position clear and would not be complicit. Truth does not need protection. It only needs to be told, fully, clearly, and without fear,” Olanrewaju concluded.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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