Oyebamiji Outlines Fiscal Stabilization Plan
Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor of Osun State, has pledged to block financial leakages and expand state revenue if elected. Speaking in an interview regarding his campaign platform ahead of the August 15 election, Oyebamiji stated that he intends to stabilize the state’s finances through the implementation of technology-driven systems.
Oyebamiji described himself as a credible alternative to the current administration. He cited his previous tenure as Commissioner for Finance under the administrations of Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola as evidence of his experience. Prior to his service in the state executive council, he served as the Managing Director of the Osun Investment Company Limited, which is now known as Omoluabi Holdings Limited.
The candidate emphasized that Osun State deserves a better financial deal at this time. He pointed to data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to support his assessment of the state's current fiscal situation. According to Oyebamiji, the last allocation received by the APC administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola from the FAAC stood at approximately N2.6 billion.
Proposed Measures for Revenue Expansion
In addition to stabilizing finances, Oyebamiji outlined specific measures he intends to implement if his administration takes office. He announced plans to reduce government spending and expand revenue through the use of technology. The candidate also indicated that his administration would move to implement local government autonomy.
Oyebamiji stated that these steps are part of a broader prosperity agenda for the state. He argued that addressing financial leakages is critical to improving the state's economic standing. His proposals focus on structural changes to how the state manages its funds and generates income.
Political Climate and Campaign Conduct
Oyebamiji also addressed concerns regarding political violence during the campaign period. He stated that political competition should never degenerate into violence. Emphasizing social cohesion, he noted that regardless of political differences, all citizens remain members of the same communities and citizens of the same state.
The interview, conducted by Clifford Ndujihe and Juliet Umeh for Vanguard News, covered a range of topics including his chances in the upcoming election and allegations of political violence. Oyebamiji used the platform to reiterate his commitment to peaceful competition and fiscal responsibility.
Financial Context and Administrative Claims
The candidate’s claims regarding state finances were directed at the current administration led by Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Oyebamiji highlighted the disparity in FAAC allocations as a key indicator of financial mismanagement or insufficiency under the current regime. He suggested that the average monthly allocation has changed significantly since the N2.6 billion figure cited, though specific current figures were not detailed in the provided text.
Oyebamiji’s background in finance and investment management forms the basis of his campaign promises. His role as Commissioner for Finance and Managing Director of the state’s investment company are central to his argument that he possesses the technical expertise required to manage Osun State’s economy effectively. He presented these roles as preparation for addressing the challenges he identified in the state’s current financial structure.
The August 15 election will determine whether Oyebamiji’s platform resonates with voters concerned about fiscal management and revenue generation. His proposals to curb leakages and utilize technology represent a distinct policy direction from the incumbent administration, which he characterized as having allowed significant financial shortfalls in state allocations.