The Osun Masterminds, a coalition of civil society organizations, has again raised alarm over abandonment of infrastructural projects at the Osun State House of Assembly despite the Parliament gulping over two billion naira in 2024 alone.
The organization said the legislature has abandoned renovation of its quarters and construction of new gate house, despite consistent flowing of cash into it.
“Some months ago, we raised questions about the quantum of funding being pumped into the House of Assembly, for no clear reason. In 2024 alone, the Osun State House of Assembly has spent close to two billion Naira, according to the Budget Performance Reports of the Osun State Government itself,” Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the Executive Director of the organization said during the September State of the State Address held in Osogbo.
Oyedokun-Alli continued, “Yet, the renovation of the House of Assembly Quarters that was commenced more than six months ago, has been abandoned. The Quarters, with their roofs now open to the elements, have been abandoned for more than three months. While the contract for the renovation was itself shrouded in secrecy, abandoning the project, while huge sums continue to go into the coffers of the Assembly, suggests profligacy and raises questions about the fiscal transparency of the Adeleke government.
“Aside from the Assembly Quarters, the gate house reconstruction at the same House of Assembly complex, has been abandoned for about the same period. Yet, money continues to flow into the coffers of the Assembly in hundreds of millions.”
The group condemned the Federal Government over poor handling of the economy, calling for an end to floatation of Naira or return of fuel subsidy.
“We demand End the floatation of the Naira and revert to a CBN-guided pricing that will be devoid of corruption and the sharp practices that characterized the CBN under Godwin Emefiele.
Where 1 above is not possible, return subsidy on petrol and ensure transparency, until a time in the future, when we have put proper structures in place to manage the consequences of total removal.
Put more resources into strategic subsidies for common Nigerians instead of sharing more money to the States, which end up financing the reckless lifestyle of many of the Governors.
“We also must condemn the manner of implementation of the 70,000 minimum wage. Federal Civil Servants are receiving a flat rate of 40,000 addition to their old salaries, while their tax figures have increased, in some cases completely swallowing the meagre addition. We believe that a minimum wage implementation should be according to a new salary table that will reflect relevant allowances. We believe the flat rate addition shortchanges Civil servants who are suffering the biting effects of the economic issues mentioned above. “
