- Adeleke explained security expenditures include funding Amotekun, communal crisis interventions, peace-building assistance, and support for security agencies’ operations.
- Governor said policy is to conserve scarce resources for infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and other key areas of state development.
The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration does not operate security votes as commonly practised in Nigeria.
Adeleke explained that all spending related to security in the state is carried out strictly through budgetary provisions.
The governor stated this in a release issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
He said, “Under my watch, we don’t operate security votes in the sense Nigerians understand it. I face resistance over the policy but I stick to it even at great cost.”
He stressed that Osun State has no slush funds disguised as security votes.
Adeleke added that all expenditures on security matters follow public finance laws and established regulations.
According to him, “Security-related spending covers operational support for agencies working in the state, operations to address communal crises, assistance for peace-building efforts, and the running of the state’s security network, Amotekun.
“These expenditures are undertaken within statutory approval processes, which involve raising memos and complying with government payment procedures.”
The governor said the decision to reject security votes was meant to conserve state funds for critical development projects.
“I believe Osun needs every kobo to meet her numerous developmental challenges. Our earnings from FAAC allocations and internally generated revenues are channelled to infrastructure, agriculture, health, and other key sectors,” he noted.
He highlighted that workers’ salaries, pensions, and outstanding debts are prioritised, alongside investments in human capital and infrastructure.
Adeleke disclosed that a special project account had been established to save unexpected inflows from FAAC to complete ongoing projects.
He also expressed optimism that disputes around seized local government funds would soon be resolved.
The governor reassured citizens and stakeholders that his administration would stay focused on both human and capital development within set timelines.
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