Dr. Nicolas Felix Slams Governors: "Unprecedented Funding, Underwhelming Performance

In a candid and unreserved assessment, Dr. Nicolas Felix, the youngest aspirant for the APC presidency in the 2023 elections, has ignited a crucial conversation about the stewardship of state governors in Nigeria. Appearing on TVC News' esteemed program, Journalist Hangout, Dr. Felix delivered a scathing critique of both past and present state governors, underscoring the stark disparity between the unprecedented federal allocations at their disposal and the woefully inadequate development outcomes in their respective states.

Using the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as a poignant case study, Dr. Felix highlighted the astronomical increase in federal allocations to state governments. "When he was governor, his monthly allocation was N14 billion, but now governors receive over N100 billion," Dr. Felix stated, emphasizing the magnitude of this increase and the imperative for governors to account for the vast resources at their disposal.

Dr. Felix's critique centered on the glaring disconnect between the record-breaking disbursements to state governments and the dearth of tangible development outcomes, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure expansion. He lamented that despite these unprecedented allocations, many governors have little or nothing to show in terms of real development, and instead, deflect responsibility to the federal government while failing to address pressing local issues within their jurisdictions.

"Everything cannot be about the presidency," Dr. Felix asserted. "State governments are receiving more funds than ever before. What are they doing with it? Why aren’t we seeing massive improvements at the grassroots?" This pointed inquiry underscores the urgent need for governors to be held accountable for their stewardship and to demonstrate a clear commitment to translating the increased allocations into meaningful development outcomes.

Dr. Felix also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu's administration in implementing economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and increased oil revenue, which have led to greater savings and a fairer distribution of national wealth. He urged state governments to build on this foundation by implementing localized subsidies, particularly in transportation and food supply, to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

"The federal government has laid the foundation. It is now up to the states to build on it," Dr. Felix emphasized. "Governors should be held accountable, not just praised for political rhetoric." In his characteristic forthrightness, Dr. Felix reiterated his faith in President Tinubu's vision and encouraged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that the effects of the ongoing reforms would become more evident over time, provided governors rise to the occasion and utilize their expanded resources effectively.

As the nation grapples with the complexities of development and governance, Dr. Felix's trenchant critique serves as a clarion call for state governors to reexamine their priorities and demonstrate a renewed commitment to serving the needs of their constituents. The stark reality of unprecedented funding and underwhelming performance must be addressed if Nigeria is to realize its full potential and deliver meaningful development outcomes to its citizens.