Don’t Divert €55m French Loan to Fund Campaign, Alli Warns Makinde

The Alli Campaign Organisation, representing Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against misusing a newly secured €55 million French Government loan for healthcare facility upgrades in the state. The campaign group warned that any diversion of funds to politically motivated projects in the lead-up to the election, or at the end of Makinde's administration, would be detrimental.

The campaign stressed that the loan must be used strictly for improving the state's deteriorating healthcare facilities, as repayment of the N85 billion begins with the next administration. They urged Makinde to resist the temptation to divert the funds to fund his presidential ambition. The organisation questioned the governor's formation of a committee to quickly spend the money around the election and his tenure.

They pointed out the state's debt management issues, citing the recent approval of a N200 billion bond to re-finance the state's debt. The group also noted that the state's monthly allocations to the government and local councils have quadrupled due to the removal of petrol subsidies, providing a financial cushion for the state.

They demanded full disclosure on the loan's terms and conditions, including the disbursement schedule, contractors, procurement procedures, implementation timeline, and beneficiary hospitals. The organisation called on various stakeholders, including the Oyo State House of Assembly, civil society organizations, healthcare bodies, and the media, to closely monitor the loan's usage.

They emphasized the need for transparency and measurable benefits for the people, stating that any loan contracted for the people must generate visible and sustainable advantages.