₦airaland Forum

When public officials speak, the nation listens. When they speak on tragedy, the nation remembers. And when they speak on money, especially public money, the nation must ask questions.

The January 2024 Bodija explosion was not a political incident. It was a human tragedy. In seconds, lives were lost, houses were destroyed, and livelihoods were wiped out. In that moment, Nigerians are not interested in political theatrics. They only want assistance, rebuilding, and accountability.

This is why the current discoveries and discussions involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde call for clarification that is clearer than press releases and more powerful than counter-allegations.

The Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, allocates ₦30 billion to address the Bodija tragedy, following a previous promise of ₦50 billion. Governor Makinde's media team confirmed this. According to several sources, victims only received ₦4.5 billion of the total ₦30 billion payout. However, we were informed that the balance was used for reconstruction, infrastructure repairs, and other activities.

Fine. That is the governor's stance. But public accountability does not end with stances. The process begins with questions.

Here are those questions I would love to ask.

First, let's establish the arithmetic. ₦30 billion received. ₦4.5 billion went straight to sufferers. This leaves ₦25.5 billion. We demand to know exactly how the ₦25.5 billion has been spent so far. Contracts issued, deadlines, beneficiaries, milestones completed, and sums paid are all specifics, not vague platitudes like rebuilding is ongoing. First, let's establish the arithmetic. ₦30 billion received. ₦4.5 billion went straight to sufferers. This leaves ₦25.5 billion. Nigerians demand to know exactly how the ₦25.5 billion has been spent so far. Contracts issued, deadlines, beneficiaries, milestones completed, and sums paid are all specifics, not vague platitudes like rebuilding is ongoing.

If reconstruction is underway, it means that not all of the ₦25.5 billion has been spent. So, where is the unspent balance kept? Is it held in an interest-bearing account? In the Treasury Single Account subhead? At a commercial bank? I believe transparency necessitates answers, not assumptions.

Third, many people are muttering but not questioning aloud: if any portion of that money has been maintained in a bank account for months, how much interest has accrued? Public funds earn interest. Interest earned from public funding is likewise public money. Has interest been earned? If so, what amount? What is the plan for that interest?

According to Governor Makinde's media, inducements were demanded to release the remaining ₦20 billion, but he declined. If that is correct, Nigerians should applaud the refusal. However, the integrity of resisting inducements must be matched by the integrity of administering what has been released. One should not cancel the other.

The governor has also linked this incident to a broader political war involving former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the fault lines ahead of 2027. Politics may explain reasons, but it does not justify opacity. Tragedy funds aren't campaign talking points.

Governor Makinde is widely recognised as one of Nigeria's most visible opposition governors. He has spoken persuasively about democracy, one-party rule, and the need to save institutions. Excellent. Transparency, however, is the most effective defender of democracy. The loudest rebuke to intimidation is transparency. The most persuasive response to criticism is documentation.

Show Nigerians the ₦30 billion ledger. Show us what was spent, what is left, where it is held, and whether it has generated interest. If interest has been earned, explain how it will be used to provide more help to Bodija victims. They claim that sunlight is the best disinfectant.

Politicians should never frame the Bodija explosion as a proxy conflict between them. It should remain as is: a sad reminder that stewardship, not speeches, is the most important test of leadership.

I believe Governor Makinde can rise above the cacophony. Not with hyperbole but with receipts.

Adelodun Adetoyese is an Oyo State-based political analyst, public affairs commentator, and health advocate for the Sickle Cell Lifeline Foundation.

Politics nah investment
Bodija damaged
Make ours governor more richer

Hmmm. The problem is you'll think Governor Seyi Makinde is a saint and better than the rest. The same way they package Obi in last election.

I will never take any politicians seriously but I will support anyone my heart pick with everything.

I dont believe in lesser devil, they are all the same.

muyico:
Politics nah investment
Bodija damaged
Make ours governor more richer

Investment you say, really?

muyico:
Politics nah investment
Bodija damaged
Make ours governor more richer

I disagree

The remaining #25.5 billion makinde has added to his audio billions he claims to have before becoming governor. Makinde syphoning state resourceses beyond expectations

But till date onbody have been able to indict Obi despite being in opposotion

Iamajike:
Hmmm. The problem is you'll think Governor Seyi Makinde is a saint and better than the rest. The same way they package Obi in last election.

I will never take any politicians seriously but I will support anyone my heart pick with everything.

I dont believe in lesser devil, they are all the same.

Good2go1:
But till date onbody have been able to indict Obi despite being in opposotion

Same as most... Only allegations.

Good2go1:
But till date onbody have been able to indict Obi despite being in opposotion

Pandora paper.

Tinubu was never found guilty of any charge of corporation, does that mean he's a saint?

The government should also publish the list of the beneficiary of the 4.5b

Did you really understand what pandora is about?pandora is assets management company for the fact that some corrupt people hide their assets with them does means that everybody investing with them is corrupt

Iamajike:
Pandora paper.

Tinubu was never found guilty of any charge of corporation, does that mean he's a saint?

You never demand to know what happens to fuel subsidy savings and loans taken.

Good2go1:
Did you really understand what pandora is about?pandora is assets management company for the fact that some corrupt people hide their assets with them does means that everybody investing with them is corrupt

There was an allegations, so what are you saying?

Which allegations or are you listen to political propaganda? meanwhile, Obi has address that severally. He said he was running a personal company in London before coming back to Nigeria. When he wanted to join politics he liquited the company and invested the money with pandora

Iamajike:
There was an allegations, so what are you saying?

Good2go1:
Which allegations or are you listen to political propaganda? meanwhile, Obi has address that severally. He said he was running a personal company in London before coming back to Nigeria. When he wanted to join politics he liquited the company and invested the money with pandora

It was propaganda when it's about Obi but call for people head when allegation was raised about other politicians?

Anyway, I never said he was guilty but he's not better than other politicians.