ThevOsun State Government on Thursday described as mischievous an allegation that it was spending N140million on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the state on Saturday inspite of the economic hardship confronting the state.
A group, Civil Societies Coalition for Emancipation of Osun State, had alleged that the state government planned to spend N140million on the silver jubilee, describing it as ill-conceived since the Rauf Aregbesola-led administration was still owing workers and pensioners their salaries and gratuities.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo to herald the anniversary, the organizing committee dispelled the rumour, saying the allegation did not come from a credible source.
Speaking on behalf of the government, the former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, who is also a member of the anniversary planning committee, Hon. Ajibola Basiru, urged the people of the state to disregard the allegation.
Although Ajibola refused to disclose the actual amount earmarked for the celebration, he said that the idea of earmarking money to carryout activities was the basis for corruption, stressing that the state government did not earmark expenses for the events.
He said there would not be entertainment for the celebrations as thevonly feasible expenses would be the payment of stipends to the pupils that would participate in calistenics display during the celebration.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the committee, Dr. Charles Akinola, stated that this year’s celebration would focus on the youths because the state would be in a big mess if it ignored challenges facing the youths.
Akinola said the display of calisthenics by students would be the main activity of the programme and the commissioning of some completed projects by the state government.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari, who was expected to witness the calisthenics display and commission the projects, would be unavoidably absent due to some important assignments.
He, however, assured that the president would visit the state on September 1, 2016 to commission the projects constructed by the present administration.
Akinola challenged the opposition to come up with substantial alternative to Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s policies, instead of engaging in criticisms.
CSCEOS had said there was no achievement recorded by Governor Aregbesola to warrant the celebration, asking the state government to be in sober mood and organise prayers to salvage the state from its economic woes.
