Tinubu Feeling the Heat of Governors’ Unfaithfulness – BAT Ideological Group
The Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is beginning to feel the consequences of what he described as the unfaithfulness of some state governors, following revelations surrounding financial allocations meant to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
Atoyebi made this known while reacting to the recent public disagreement involving former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, which reportedly led to the disclosure of a ₦50 billion “damage control” fund allocated to address the Ibadan explosion incident.
According to the BAT Ideological Group, the controversy exposed what it described as one of several financial interventions reportedly released by the Federal Government to state governors since the removal of fuel subsidy.
The group maintained that such funds were designed to mitigate the rising cost of living and reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians at the grassroots.
Atoyebi further pointed to growing public disclosures around increased funds available to states following subsidy removal, noting that similar issues have surfaced in different parts of the country.
He referenced recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who stated that the removal of fuel subsidy has made more money available to state governments, with many now preparing annual budgets exceeding ₦1 trillion.
In addition, the Federal Government had earlier announced a ₦5 billion palliative package for each state to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal, further reinforcing claims that states have received increased financial support.
He blamed the situation on what he described as lapses within the President’s media team, arguing that several well-intended policies and interventions of the Tinubu administration have not been adequately communicated to the public.
“These are not failures of policy, but failures of communication,” Atoyebi said, adding that many of the administration’s efforts have been “swept under the bridge” due to poor public enlightenment.
The BAT Ideological Group reiterated its confidence in President Tinubu, describing him as a leader with genuine intentions to rebuild the country, restore hope, and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
However, the group stressed that the President cannot achieve these goals alone without the cooperation and accountability of state governors, who are closer to the people and responsible for implementing interventions at the state level.
Commending Fayose for bringing the issue into public discourse, the group stated that Nigerians must begin to hold their governors accountable rather than directing all grievances at the President.
“It is not everything Nigerians should call their President for,” Atoyebi said. “Most of their needs have already been provided for through allocations to their state governments to reduce the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the prices of goods in the market. Governors must be held responsible.”
The group also urged President Tinubu to remain focused on his reform agenda while calling on his media team to step up its responsibilities by effectively communicating government policies, programmes, and interventions to the people.
Atoyebi suggested the creation of specialised media sub-units and closer collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ensure broader public awareness and prevent the President from working in isolation.
He added that the BAT Ideological Group has continued to play its part in supporting the administration by promoting policy communication, rebranding the nation’s image, and sensitising Nigerians on the rationale behind its support for the President.
“Our support is driven by our belief that President Tinubu is a doer, someone passionate about leadership, development, and the welfare of Nigerians,” he said. “He loves Nigeria and is naturally a giver who will not watch Nigerians suffer.”
