Makinde: Speaking truth to power harder under Tinubu’s administration

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it has become increasingly difficult for leaders and stakeholders to freely express dissenting views under the current government.

Makinde made the remarks at the weekend during the 60th birthday celebration of the Oyo State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Samson Anetomobi. The event was attended by prominent figures, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

In his speech, the governor contrasted the present political climate with what he described as a more open and consultative approach to governance during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He said Osinbajo’s leadership style, particularly his willingness to listen, was something he deeply missed.

“You cannot speak truth to power in this dispensation,” Makinde said, as he criticised the Tinubu administration over its handling of the tax reform bills.

According to him, state governors had raised concerns and called for broader consultations on the proposed tax legislation, but their views were ignored.

“We said, ‘Bring the tax bill back; let all of us look at it dispassionately,’ but we were told the bill would go ahead,” he said, describing the situation as an affront to the governors. He added that there was confusion over the content of the legislation eventually passed and signed into law.

“We don’t know exactly what was passed by the National Assembly, and we also don’t know what was eventually signed,” Makinde said, while expressing nostalgia for Osinbajo’s time in office.

The governor also reflected on Osinbajo’s role as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), recalling how his leadership influenced Oyo State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Makinde said he was barely seven months into office when the pandemic broke out and recalled a tense NEC meeting where some governors pushed for a total lockdown of states. He explained that Osinbajo’s intervention and guidance informed his decision not to impose a full lockdown in Oyo State.

“For the people of Oyo State, the reason I did not lock down during COVID was because of his decision,” he said.

Expressing personal regret over Osinbajo’s departure from office, Makinde suggested that the absence of such leadership has affected governance at the national level.

“Sir, I personally miss you in that position. A lot of people may not know why things are not the same,” he said, adding that his comments were not intended as political rhetoric.