Rafsanjani described the alleged withholding of funds due to states by the Federal Government as undemocratic and detrimental to improvement.
He mentioned withholding funds meant for developmental tasks would hinder progress in states and deprive residents of the advantages of public sources.
“Well, first and foremost, it’s a very sad situation that the government, you know, is having this kind of challenge of its money not being released by the Federal Government.
“There’s no way development can happen when resources that are earmarked to carry out certain developmental projects in the states are not, you know, released simply because of the policy of withholding allocations.
“These allocations are not personal allocations. They are meant for the states to govern effectively and efficiently.
“And if the Federal Government is, because of political differences, depriving states of their entitlements, whatever the reason behind this, it is anti-development and undemocratic.
“Therefore, we urge the Federal Government to stop, you know, withholding state and local government funds meant for these states. This is simply because you are depriving the people of development in the states.
“If you have any issue, because we are operating a federal system, it is not within your powers to use party differences to deprive states of their own resources,” he instructed DAILY POST.
Rafsanjani, nevertheless, referred to as on state and the native governments to guarantee transparency and accountability within the administration of their allocations, arguing that correct utilisation of the funds would allow residents to demand their well timed launch.
He mentioned state governments should exhibit that public sources have been being spent to enhance residents’ lives via improvement tasks and poverty discount.
“And if spending is done transparently for the benefit of the people in the states, and the people see development, they will even be the ones to agitate for the Federal Government to release this money.
“But because this money apparently has not been utilised in a manner that will bring development and lift people out of poverty, unemployment and poor infrastructure at the state level, people don’t even know that there is a link between these resources meant for the states and what the Federal Government is doing.
“So this is why we are encouraging states to be as transparent and responsive as possible, and to spend this money judiciously and transparently for the benefit of the people in their states.
“Ensure, you know, effective utilisation.
“If that is done, I am telling you, people will be the ones agitating and demanding that money meant for their states must be released,” he added.
The CISLAC director additional argued that the dispute over the funds had largely grow to be a contest between authorities officers fairly than a wrestle involving the residents who ought to profit from the allocations.
He mentioned the dearth of transparency within the administration of public funds had weakened residents’ curiosity in demanding accountability from each tiers of presidency.
Rafsanjani added: “So now this fight has been reduced to a contest between the beneficiaries, the state government and the Federal Government.”
“And that is why the Federal Government has the courage to do what it is doing, which is also not transparent,” he instructed DAILY POST.
‘Tinubu wants Nigerians to suffer’ — Onyekpere
On his half, Onyekpere backed Makinde’s declare that the Federal Government had but to launch N250 billion in NLNG dividends to states, accusing the Tinubu administration of missing transparency and credibility.
Onyekpere mentioned he was inclined to consider Makinde as a result of the Federal Government had failed to publish key fiscal paperwork, together with finances implementation experiences and precise income experiences.
He made the remarks whereas reacting to Makinde’s declare that the Federal Government was withholding N250 billion in NLNG dividends meant for states.
“Who do you want to believe? Because, of course, you know we have a Presidency that is very opaque. They don’t publish any reports.
“When last did you see any budget implementation report? They don’t even publish anything except to give us a general picture of how much we owe.
“So, I am inclined to believe Makinde because he has more credibility than the Federal Government, which simply makes promises, removes the oil subsidy, gets the benefits and then shares them among its cronies. Nothing for the people of Nigeria,” he mentioned.
Onyekpere faulted the Federal Government for failing to make its income and expenditure data publicly out there, arguing that the dearth of transparency had undermined public confidence in its claims.
“Budget implementation reports are not published. Actual revenue reports are not published. Can’t you see what they are quarrelling with the World Bank and the IMF about?
“When the IMF and World Bank say that tax revenue grew by 126 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, they are now saying that there are some funds and revenue that the World Bank did not take into account in its October update.
“But why would they have to hide some funds for the World Bank not to know? Why don’t they publish everything as it comes? The Federal Government lacks credibility. I believe Makinde,” he instructed DAILY POST.
The analyst additional argued that the federal government’s document on income disclosure and finances implementation gave Nigerians causes to query its place on the alleged unpaid dividends.
“Because of their antecedents, they will not tell us how much has accrued as revenue. They will not implement the budget.
“They don’t publish any budget implementation reports. Nothing at all. So, I still believe they lack credibility.
“Makinde is likely telling the truth,” Onyekpere added in an interview with DAILY POST.
Asked how the alleged withholding of the funds associated to the federal government’s achievements, Onyekpere mentioned the cash might have been used to ease the financial hardship going through Nigerians.
“Of course, it shows that there are resources that should be used to ameliorate the suffering, but they are not using them.
“So, that’s the way I would look at it. It just shows that the government is insensitive and does not care about the plight of the people,” he instructed DAILY POST.
NLNG retains mum
When DAILY POST contacted NLNG spokesperson, Anne Palmer for a response, she didn’t reply to the inquiry despatched by way of WhatsApp.
OAGF guarantees response
The spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, promised to reply to the controversy after consultations on Tuesday.
