Oshiomole: States Haven’t Received Any Bailout Funds

Contrary to the rumours going round that states have received bailout funds from the President Muhammadu Buhari government, Adams Oshiomole, Edo state governor, has dismissed the report.

Oshiomole who made the disclosure at a reception for the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase, in his local government,  Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

According to Premium Times, Oshiomole however said President Buhari is committed to seeing an end to the situation where up to fifteen states owe workers’ salaries.

He said: “there is some conversation going on between the Federal Government and the Governors and the president has been extremely positive in recognizing that he does not want to preside over a country whose workers are not paid.

“At the end of the day, it is not acceptable where fourteen to fifteen states cannot pay salaries. The good news is that the president is standing by us and there is always a time lag between when you conceptualize and when you implement.

“For now, no government has got one naira under the bailout arrangement.”

Oshiomole also reserved kind words for the IG of police, he said, “the celebrant is not just a man of history, there are many people who could become the I-G, by political connection, but I think he has a very unique ability.

“I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the way you have sought to manage your office , deal with the challenges of the police force without being partisan, This is a difficult position to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with courage, determination and intellect to your job no matter whose ox is gored.

Just two days ago, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) denied asking the federal government for a bailout in order for bankrupt states to pay up salary arrears. 

The governors, however had a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday, July 23, at the presidential villa, Aso rock in a closed-door meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC).