The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to disclose the state’s true financial status, accusing his administration of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability. The party expressed concerns that the state’s resources are being misused, leaving the people to bear the burden.
At an end-of-year press conference held in Osogbo, APC’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, alleged that the state government had secretly obtained substantial loans, pushing Osun further into debt. According to Olabisi, the administration has acquired $51 million in foreign loans and an additional ₦81.6 billion, which could jeopardize the state’s financial future.
“The current administration has been deceptive, claiming it has not secured any loans. However, evidence from the 2023 audited financial statement shows that Osun’s domestic debt rose from ₦46.8 billion in 2022 to ₦55.3 billion in 2023,” Olabisi stated. He added that part of the 2024 budget is being financed through loans from the NG-CARES program, amounting to $35 million (₦56 billion).
The party urged citizens to hold the Adeleke administration accountable, accusing it of reckless spending and poor financial planning.
Criticism Over Education Policies
The APC also criticized the government’s approach to education, describing it as inadequate and poorly planned. Former Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi, highlighted the lack of government funding for the newly established state university in Ilesa (UNILESA).
“The state provided only ₦60 million in subventions for nine months, leaving the institution to rely heavily on exorbitant school fees. Law students are charged ₦1.5 million per session, while nursing students pay ₦1.2 million. This is unsustainable for civil servants with low wages,” Olawumi said.
He also noted the government’s failure to replace 1,500 teachers dismissed two years ago, resulting in severe teacher shortages across the state.
Opposition to Amnesty for Convicts
The APC further criticized Governor Adeleke’s recent pardon of 53 individuals, including a police officer still on trial. The party described the move as “ulterior” and “self-serving,” warning that it could embolden criminality in the state.
Chieftains of the party, including Akin Adeyi, Kehinde Ayantunji, and Adebayo Adedeji, accused the government of prioritizing personal interests over public welfare. They warned that the amnesty could lead to a resurgence of criminal activities by the released individuals.
Warning Against New Loans
The APC issued a stern warning to the Adeleke administration against securing a proposed ₦50 billion loan. The party argued that this would further plunge the state into debt and exacerbate the economic challenges faced by the people.
The party called on the citizens of Osun to demand transparency and accountability from the government, emphasizing the need for prudent financial management to protect the state’s future.