Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that it has become difficult to “speak truth to power” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the handling of the contentious tax reform bill as an example.
Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of Pastor Samson Ajetomobi in Ibadan, Makinde contrasted the current leadership style with the inclusive approach of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whom he said he personally misses in office.
He recalled how Osinbajo’s intervention as NEC Chairman during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to avoid locking down Oyo State—a decision he said was made after listening to dissenting voices.
Makinde lamented that despite governors’ appeals to review the tax bill, the Federal Government has moved ahead with it, illustrating what he called an absence of dialogue in the current dispensation.
The governor has been a vocal critic of the tax reforms, rejecting the bill in Oyo State last September over concerns it would overburden the poor.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on remarks made by Governor Seyi Makinde at a public event. The views expressed are solely those of the governor.
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