Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State addressed a gathering in Ibadan. He spoke at the 60th birthday celebration of Rev. Samson Anetomobi, the Oyo State President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Dignitaries, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, attended the event. Makinde used the occasion to voice his concerns about the current federal administration.
Makinde’s Criticism
Makinde declared that speaking openly to authorities grew challenging under President Bola Tinubu’s government. “You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” he stated. He contrasted this with the more consultative approach during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. Moreover he highlighted a shift in governance style.
Furthermore, Makinde expressed personal regret over changes in leadership. He told Osinbajo directly about his absence from high office. “Sir, I personally miss you in that position. A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same,” Makinde said. He emphasized that his words stemmed from experience rather than politics.
On Tax Reform Bills
Makinde criticized the handling of the tax reform bills. Governors requested a review of the legislation for dispassionate examination. However officials pushed the bills forward to the National Assembly. “We said, ‘Look, bring the tax bill; bring it back, let us all have an opportunity to look dispassionately at it.’ They said the tax bill will go ahead,” he explained.
In addition, Makinde pointed out uncertainty around the process. “The tax bill, we don’t know what was passed at the National Assembly, we don’t also know what was signed up,” he added. This lack of transparency fueled his discontent.
Nostalgia for Osinbajo
Makinde recalled Osinbajo’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman of the National Economic Council, Osinbajo influenced decisions against total lockdowns.
Makinde credited this guidance for Oyo State’s approach in 2020. “It was a hot meeting, but at the end of the day, he said, ‘Governors, go back to your states; do what you think is best for your people,’” Makinde recounted.
Therefore Makinde lamented the current rigidity. He reiterated his admiration for Osinbajo’s consultative methods.
Recent Meeting with Tinubu
Makinde visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier. Journalists questioned him about potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party. He affirmed his loyalty. “No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde told reporters. The meeting focused on undisclosed matters, but Makinde denied any shift in allegiance.
Public Reactions
News outlets reported Makinde’s statements widely. Social media platforms echoed the critique. For instance, users on X shared articles and discussed the implications. However no immediate official response from the All Progressives Congress or Tinubu’s administration surfaced in reports.
Some online commentators questioned Makinde’s consistency. One post suggested inconsistencies in his past statements about federal funds. Yet discussions largely centered on governance and tax issues.
Future Implications
Makinde’s remarks sparked debates on federal state relations. Analysts noted potential strains over policy consultations. As a result, observers watched for developments in tax reforms and political alignments. The governor’s stance highlighted ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
