The Oyo State APC’s Protest Against the PDP Government’s Loan Request and Alleged Intimidation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State embarked on a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, voicing their discontent with what they perceived as financial mismanagement by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration. Central to their grievances was the state government’s request for a N300 billion loan and the subsequent alleged intimidation of an APC lawmaker who questioned the loan’s approval process.
The controversy ignited when Ibraheem Shittu, an APC member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Saki West, raised concerns about the approval of the substantial loan. Shittu contended that the approval, granted by less than two-thirds of the House members, lacked due process and transparency. He further claimed he was not informed about the meeting where the approval was granted, suggesting a deliberate attempt to exclude him from the decision-making process.
The House of Assembly responded to Shittu’s allegations, labeling him an absentee lawmaker in a statement jointly signed by the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, and the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Waheed Akintayo. This characterization, however, did little to quell the growing unease within the APC, who viewed the situation as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
The APC protest commenced at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, and proceeded through major thoroughfares, including Dugbe, Queen Cinema, and Adamasingba, before culminating at Mokola roundabout. Olayide Abas, the state party chairman, addressed the protesters, expressing deep concern over the state government’s growing debt profile and warning against mortgaging the future of Oyo State citizens. Abas emphasized the APC’s unwavering support for Shittu, commending his courage in challenging the loan approval. Furthermore, he revealed that Shittu had received threatening messages following his public pronouncements on the issue, heightening the APC’s apprehension about the state of political discourse in Oyo State.
Abas questioned the rationale behind the massive loan request, particularly in light of the increased monthly allocation from the Federation Account since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. He expressed skepticism about the PDP government’s management of previous loans and demanded accountability for the state’s finances. The APC chairman argued that the N300 billion loan would exacerbate the state’s financial woes rather than address its developmental needs.
The PDP, through its state Public Relations Officer, Michael Ogunsina, responded to the APC’s protest and accusations. Ogunsina defended Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to seek the loan, asserting that it was a necessary step for the state’s development and progress. He portrayed the APC’s protest as a politically motivated act, accusing the opposition party of attempting to undermine the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Oyo State citizens. Ogunsina challenged the APC’s understanding of governance, suggesting they relocate to Ogun State if they were dissatisfied with Governor Makinde’s leadership.
The exchange between the APC and the PDP underscored the deep political divisions in Oyo State. The APC’s protest highlighted their concerns about transparency and accountability in the state government’s financial dealings, while the PDP defended their actions as necessary for the state’s development. The alleged intimidation of lawmaker Shittu added another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the protection of dissenting voices within the political landscape.
The loan controversy has become a focal point of political debate in Oyo State, with the APC raising questions about the government’s fiscal responsibility and the PDP defending its economic policies. The contrasting narratives presented by the two parties reflect the broader political dynamics at play, as both sides vie for public support and seek to shape the narrative surrounding governance in the state. The unfolding events will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape of Oyo State and influence the trajectory of its economic development. The public will be closely watching how the situation unfolds and what impact the loan, should it be finalized, will have on the state’s finances and overall well-being. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government and the need for robust public discourse on matters of public finance.
