Igberetv reports that some opposition groups and organizations have hinted that the APC plans to rig the Nov. 16 governorship election in Kogi State following President Buhari’s seeking of the Senate’s approval on the issuance of N10bn to Kogi State which is said to be a refund for money used to execute federal projects on behalf of the federal government.
Yahaya Bello of the APC and Engr. Musa Of the PDP are the main contenders of the governor’s seat in Kogi State.
The Senate has been advised not to grant the request, or at least make sure that the fund is used judiciously for the purpose it is being sought.
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Centre for Change, said that the lawmakers must as a matter of patriotism, verify the projects claimed to have been executed for which an approval of refund is now being sought.
She said: “I am sure the President must have attached the purpose the money is meant for and it behoves on the Senate to do due diligence and ensure the funds are approved subject to its verification of the projects. And except it’s about life and death, the approval can be delayed till after the elections to allay fears of the money being used to influence the electoral process.”
Also, Suraju Olanrewaju, chairman of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA Resource Centre, who says regardless of the motive; the legislators should stay until the November 16 governorship polls hold to allay fears of partisanship.
Speaking on the issue, the HEDA boss challenged the lawmakers to protect the independence of the legislature by standing with the people on the sensitive issue.
“I will implore the National Assembly, if truly independent, to reject that payment. Even if it’s for other purposes, the timing is wrong and unacceptable. Intention is not enough in this circumstance and politics. The Senate should convince the general public of its independence, as expected of the constitution and act like a respected arm of government, in this particular case.”
But a member of the APC 2019 Presidential Campaign Organization, Haruna Abdullahi advised those reading ulterior motives to the N10 billion refunds to insist on accountability in the use of the huge sum rather than kicking against the request because of the proximity to elections.
He said, “election or no election, a state must exist. Whatever is accrued to any state and has all constitutional provisions should be given. The caveat, therefore, is that all critical stakeholders must ensure the money is judiciously spent for the purposes it’s meant for. Election should not hinder public expenditure.”
The PDP national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan who incidentally hails from the state said that the mere thought of approaching federal lawmakers to give a nod of approval of more funds to the Kogi state government is an indication that President Buhari is indifferent to the plight of the people of the state. The publicity scribe also made his mind known. He said, “This approval has shown that Mr President is not concerned about the fate that has befallen the people of Kogi state in the last four years. It also presupposes that President Buhari supports the profligate lifestyle of Governor Yahaya Bello. Mr. President cannot say he is not aware of the fact that in spite of the huge approvals and collection of funds by Bello, he has built nothing in Kogi State.”
