Agbonayinma, who represented Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency in Edo State, emphasized that while President Bola Tinubu’s administration has released substantial funds to states to cushion the impact of reforms, many governors have failed to account for the disbursements. He cited instances where funds were swiftly converted to foreign currency through Bureau de Change operators instead of being invested in projects to benefit citizens.
"The President cannot do it alone," he stressed. "When money meant for the people is siphoned, we all suffer—hunger doesn’t discriminate by political party." He praised a handful of governors, like Edo’s Monday Okpebholo, for transparency but lamented that most states show no visible improvements despite receiving billions.
Systemic Failures and Accountability Gaps
The former lawmaker dismissed suggestions that state assemblies could effectively oversight governors, alleging that many legislators are "pocketed" by executives. He recalled how efforts to grant local governments autonomy were repeatedly blocked by governors seeking to control allocations. "If local councils were free," he argued, "communities would directly monitor projects, not rely on compromised state structures."
Agbonayinma urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their state leaders rather than solely blaming the federal government. "Ask your governor: Where are the roads? The schools? The jobs?" He proposed tying future funds to specific projects supervised by reputable contractors to prevent diversion.
On Security and Foreign Aid
The commissioner also commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting Nigeria’s fight against insurgency when other nations withheld arms sales. "Global partnerships are vital," he noted, "but our biggest enemy remains corruption within." He pointed to Nigeria’s vast resources and diaspora excellence as proof of potential stifled by mismanagement.
A Call for Unity
Agbonayinma ended with an appeal for collective responsibility: "Pray for Nigeria, not against it. The flag belongs to all of us." He warned that unchecked graft risks explosive consequences, urging citizens to "reason beyond politics" to salvage the nation.
