Osun APC Demands Transparency on State’s Financial Status from Governor Adeleke

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to provide a transparent account of the state's financial status. The APC alleges that the current administration has secretly secured substantial loans, potentially escalating the state's debt profile.

Allegations by APC:

Undisclosed Loans: The APC claims that Governor Adeleke's administration has clandestinely obtained foreign loans totaling approximately $51 million (₦81.6 billion), including a $35 million (₦56 billion) facility under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program.
Increased Debt Profile: The party asserts that the state's domestic debt has risen from ₦46.8 billion in 2022 to ₦55.3 billion in 2023, attributing this increase to the current government's borrowing practices.

Lack of Transparency: The APC criticizes the administration for a perceived lack of openness regarding these financial dealings, urging the government to disclose the true financial situation of the state to its citizens.


Response from Governor Adeleke's Administration:

Denial of Allegations: Governor Adeleke's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, has refuted the APC's claims, labeling them as "fake news." He maintains that the administration has not secured any new loans and emphasizes that programs like NG-CARES are federal initiatives inherited from previous administrations.

 
Debt Reduction Claims: The state government asserts that it has successfully reduced Osun's domestic debt from ₦148.37 billion in December 2022 to ₦86.06 billion, indicating prudent financial management.

This exchange highlights the ongoing debate over Osun State's financial management, with the APC demanding greater transparency and the Adeleke administration defending its fiscal policies.