Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the current political climate makes it difficult to speak frankly to those in power.
Makinde made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, during a public function in Ibadan, where several dignitaries were in attendance, including immediate past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
While reflecting on governance under previous administrations, the governor said he missed Osinbajo’s leadership style, particularly his approach as chairman of the National Economic Council.
“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” Makinde said, as he faulted the handling of the tax reform bills by the current administration.
He recalled a similar policy disagreement involving a tax bill, noting that appeals for broader consultation were ignored.
“We had the same situation in this dispensation; it was the tax bill, and we said, ‘Look, bring the tax bill; bring it back; let us all have an opportunity to look dispassionately at it,’” he said.
Makinde added that the process left governors sidelined and uncertain about key legislative outcomes.
“They said the tax bill will go ahead. It is an affront for even the governors to be saying that what the presidency has done to send the tax bill to the National Assembly.
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“The tax bill, we don’t know what was passed at the National Assembly, we don’t also know what was signed up. When I say I miss you, I miss you so much sir,” he said.
The governor also linked his handling of the COVID 19 crisis in Oyo State to Osinbajo’s influence at the National Economic Council.
“I remember I was barely seven months into the position of the governor of Oyo State, and that was my very first public service job. And we had a crisis in the country; this was February 2020,” Makinde said.
He recounted a heated NEC meeting where a nationwide lockdown was proposed.
“There was COVID, and we came in for the National Economic Council meeting. It was a hot meeting; the chairman of the council (Osinbajo) came in, and a few of my colleagues.
“I wasn’t sure whether they held a meeting before that meeting, but they came in and said we should all go back and lock down our state. So, for Oyo State people, why I did not lock down during COVID was because of his decision,” he said.
Makinde concluded by openly expressing his admiration for Osinbajo’s leadership.
“Sir, I personally miss you in that position (presidency). A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same. It’s not a political talk because I’m not on that podium,” Makinde stated.