Source: Daily Post
The Osun State Government has rejected claims that Governor Ademola Adeleke is receiving security votes, labeling the reports as false.
In a statement issued on Sunday, State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi refuted the allegations, asserting that Adeleke has not collected any security votes, in line with his commitment made upon taking office.
Adeleke, who assumed office on November 27, 2022, had previously pledged that his administration would not accept such funds.
Alimi accused opposition political parties of spreading misinformation due to their inability to effectively critique the governor’s performance. He suggested that the confusion may stem from misunderstandings regarding state expenditures that support security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The state government statutorily supports security agencies during operations, such as quelling communal violence and responding to mass demonstrations,” Alimi said. “These expenditures are formally accounted for and go through the appropriate approval processes.”
He clarified that the terms “security services” and “security votes” are distinct, with security votes often described as discretionary funds used without formal accountability.
“Governor Adeleke is not, has not, and will not take security votes. However, he is committed to supporting security agencies with their logistical needs under the expenditure for security services, which are fully processed through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters,” Alimi stated.
He emphasized that the governor only approves funds to address security issues as necessary and that there are records to justify such expenditures, contrasting this with past practices of unrestricted spending.
While reiterating the administration’s openness to constructive criticism, Alimi urged that caution should be exercised in discussing such matters.