Adeleke maintains there is no security vote policy in Osun

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his administration’s commitment to funding security services solely through the budgetary process, declaring, “Under my watch, we don’t operate security votes in the sense Nigerians understand it.”

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, the governor emphasized that Osun does not maintain a slush fund, often referred to as ‘security votes,’ and that all expenditures related to security are conducted in compliance with public finance laws.

Governor Adeleke outlined several key areas of security expenditure, including operational support for state security agencies, funding for initiatives to address communal crises, support for peace-building efforts, and financial backing for the state security outfit, Amotekun.

He stated that these expenditures are processed through a statutory approval process, requiring the submission of memos and adherence to government payment procedures.

“I am proud to declare that the Osun state government under my watch does not operate a slush fund that our media friends call security votes. Our security needs are met through proper approval processes, and while I face resistance over this policy, I remain committed to it,” Adeleke said.

The governor explained that his motivation for this policy arose from the challenges he encountered in November 2022. He emphasized the importance of directing every available resource toward addressing the state’s developmental needs, saying, “Our earnings from FAAC allocations and internally generated revenues are invested in critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and health.”

Adeleke also highlighted the administration’s focus on timely payment of workers’ salaries and pensions and settling outstanding debts, maintaining a careful balance in expenditure across both human and infrastructural needs.

“In less than three years, we have achieved significant milestones verified by local and national stakeholders,” he noted.

The governor revealed the establishment of a special project account to save unexpected inflows from FAAC, describing it as a strategic measure to ensure the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.

While awaiting a resolution regarding the seizure of local government funds, Governor Adeleke reassured Osun citizens and stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to completing its human and capital projects on schedule.

Source: The Sun