Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the current political climate makes it difficult for leaders to openly speak truth to power.
Makinde made the remarks on Saturday in Ibadan while speaking at a public event attended by several dignitaries, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He contrasted the present administration with the era of late President Muhammadu Buhari, which he described as more consultative in approach.
According to the governor, the handling of recent tax reform bills by the Tinubu administration exemplifies what he termed a disregard for broad-based consultation, including input from state governors.
“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” Makinde said, expressing concern over how the tax reform process was managed.
“We asked that the tax bill be brought back so that everyone could examine it dispassionately. But we were told it would go ahead. It is an affront for governors to be questioning what the presidency has done by sending the tax bill to the National Assembly. We do not even know exactly what was passed or what was eventually signed,” he stated.
Makinde used the occasion to commend Osinbajo’s leadership style during his time as Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), noting that he missed his inclusive and deliberative approach.
“When I say I miss you, I miss you so much, sir,” the governor said, addressing Osinbajo directly.
He recalled that Osinbajo’s leadership during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 influenced his decision not to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State.
Makinde explained that shortly after assuming office, the country was confronted with the outbreak of COVID-19, prompting an emergency NEC meeting.
“At that meeting, some governors suggested that all states should go into total lockdown. But the way the chairman of the council handled the discussions shaped my thinking. That was why Oyo State did not go into a complete lockdown,” he said.
The governor added that many Nigerians may not fully understand why governance dynamics have changed, stressing that his remarks were not politically motivated.
“This is not a political speech. I am not on a political podium. But a lot of people may not know why things are not really the same,” Makinde concluded.
Makinde Says Speaking Truth to Power Is Harder Under Tinubu, Praises Osinbajo’s Consultative Leadership
