Hold Your Governors Accountable, Not Just the President – Ikuforiji Tells Nigerians

Hold Your Governors Accountable, Not Just the President – Ikuforiji Tells Nigerians

Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has urged Nigerians to hold their state governors accountable for the welfare of citizens and infrastructural development in their respective states.

Ikuforiji, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, said that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, allocations to state governments have tripled compared to what was obtainable during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

According to him, many Nigerians wrongly direct all expectations to the federal government, even for basic amenities that should ordinarily be provided by state and local governments.

“If the local governments, which are closest to the people, perform their statutory roles effectively with the support they receive from the centre, citizens will be less bothered about the President,” Ikuforiji stated.

He emphasized that poverty alleviation should begin at the grassroots and called for a national reorientation to encourage citizens to demand accountability from their governors on how increased federal allocations are being utilized.

The former Speaker lamented the current state of legislative oversight in several states, noting that many Houses of Assembly have become reluctant to question their governors.

“During our time, we could hold Governor Tinubu accountable on how resources were used, but that is no longer the case in many states today,” he said.

Responding to a question on why the President cannot compel governors to be more transparent, Ikuforiji explained that the 1999 Constitution does not empower the President to interfere in state affairs, while the political structure of the country has made governors “extra powerful.”

On the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the former Speaker cautioned against election boycotts, warning that such actions would only give politicians an easy path to victory. He applauded ongoing electoral reform efforts by the National Assembly, particularly the proposal for early elections to allow all litigation to be concluded before swearing-in ceremonies.

Ikuforiji also threw his weight behind the idea of holding all elections on the same day, saying it would save the nation both time and financial resources.

Speaking on Nigeria’s rising debt profile, the former Speaker said borrowing was not inherently bad, stressing that what matters is how the borrowed funds are spent.

“No country can fund its annual budget without loans. What should concern us is whether the funds are properly used. International lenders will not extend credit to any country with a doubtful financial record,” he added.

He commended President Tinubu for embarking on what he described as an “economic recovery mission,” noting that the administration inherited a “dilapidated structure” that requires total reform. While acknowledging the current economic hardship, Ikuforiji expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms would yield long-term benefits for Nigerians.

Reacting to the recent presidential pardon granted to 175 Nigerians, Ikuforiji clarified that President Tinubu should not be blamed for the names on the list, explaining that he merely acted on recommendations from the Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.

On his political future, the former Speaker said his next move would be determined by God, recalling that in 2002 he had planned to contest for the Epe Local Government chairmanship before divine direction led him to run successfully for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Commenting on calls for the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to run for governor in 2027, Ikuforiji said there was nothing unusual about such aspirations.

“He has every right to contest for any political office in the country,” he concluded.