The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed that his administration has encountered resistance for refusing to adopt the security votes.
Governor Adeleke in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, reaffirmed that all security-related spending in the state is carried out strictly through budgetary provisions.
He said, “Under my watch, we don’t operate security votes in the sense Nigerians understand it. I face resistance over the policy but I stick to it even at great cost.”
The governor explained that Osun State has no slush funds, otherwise referred to as security votes.
He stressed that all expenditures for security are processed in line with public finance laws and regulations.
According to the governor, “Security-related spending covers operational support for agencies working in the state, operations to address communal crises, assistance for peace-building efforts, and the running of the state’s security network, Amotekun.
“These expenditures are undertaken within statutory approval processes, which involve raising memos and complying with government payment procedures.”
Adeleke emphasised that his administration chose the policy to conserve state resources for developmental projects.
“I believe Osun needs every kobo to meet her numerous developmental challenges. Our earnings from FAAC allocations and internally generated revenues are channelled to infrastructure, agriculture, health, and other key sectors,” he noted.
Highlighting that payment of workers’ salaries, pensions, and outstanding debts were also prioritised, he added that the state maintains a careful balance between human capital and infrastructure development.
The governor further revealed that a special project account had been created to save unexpected inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, which served as a shock absorber and ensured the completion of ongoing projects.
Expressing optimism over resolving issues surrounding seized local government funds, Governor Adeleke reassured citizens and stakeholders that his administration would remain focused on completing both human and capital development initiatives within the stipulated timelines.
