Hold Governors Accountable, Not Just the Presidency – Osita Okechukwu Tells Nigerians

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has urged Nigerians to hold state governors accountable for governance outcomes rather than focusing blame solely on the Federal Government.

Okechukwu made the call on Tuesday while endorsing the advice of APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who had encouraged citizens to demand better performance from governors across the country.

He described the call as both “timely and necessary,” noting that despite increased federal allocations since the removal of fuel subsidy, millions of Nigerians continue to suffer from poverty, poor infrastructure, and insecurity.

According to the APC chieftain, state and local governments have gained the most from the discontinuation of fuel subsidy, with revenue inflows to the states rising sharply.

“In my own recalibration of events, the subnationals — states and LGAs — are the greatest beneficiaries of the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said, citing figures from NEITI and the IMF showing subsidy expenditures that ranged from ₦667 billion in 2010 to over ₦4 trillion in 2022.

Okechukwu argued that despite these huge fiscal benefits, state governments have little to show in terms of visible development or improved welfare for citizens.

He stressed the need for a change in public mindset, saying Nigerians should no longer heap all the blame on the presidency as if national revenue “is only in the hands of Mr. President.”

Okechukwu praised President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating “visible commitment to national renewal” through economic reforms and increased security funding, adding that governors must match this effort through transparent and impactful governance.

“Yilwatda’s appeal is a reminder that accountability must cascade downwards. My candid appeal is for APC governors, especially now that the party holds the majority, to rededicate themselves to true development,” he added.