Kwara PDP Demands Transparency Amid Concerns Over N17 Billion State Funds

Ilorin, Kwara State– On the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day, the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extends its felicitations to the people of Kwara and all Nigerians.

However, amidst the celebrations, the party expresses deep concern regarding the handling of public funds by the Kwara State government.

In a statement released by Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, on Sunday, October 1, 2023 and obtained by Afrika Eyes.

The party raised alarms regarding the undisclosed whereabouts of N17 billion, a portion of the over N52 billion loan acquired by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration in the first five months of his tenure. This significant sum, as disclosed by the Governor, has been held in an undisclosed bank account since 2020, without transparent explanations provided to the citizens of Kwara.

According to the statement: “Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq‘s decision to maintain this large sum in an undisclosed bank account while simultaneously servicing the debt with approximately N1.3 billion each month has been met with skepticism and criticism. This practice runs contrary to established norms of transparent and responsible public fund management.

“The PDP is concerned that the extended secrecy surrounding these funds could potentially lead to their misappropriation as part of a retirement package in 2027, at the expense of the people of Kwara. The party underscores that public officials have a fiduciary duty to administer the state’s resources judiciously, with transparency and openness.

“In the spirit of Nigeria’s Independence Day, the PDP demands that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq publicly discloses the location of the N17 billion and provide information on the interest it has accrued since 2020. Furthermore, the party calls for transparency in the handling of the state’s finances, including the publication of monthly allocations from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and figures for internally generated revenue (IGR).

“The PDP also calls on the State House of Assembly to summon Governor Abdulrahman and seek explanations regarding the N17 billion held in secret, emphasizing the need for accountability in state governance.” the statement read.

The party expresses concern over the lack of transparency in revenue management and urges the government to uphold the principles of openness and accountability.

Mr Olusola explained that under previous PDP administrations since 2003, there was a practice of monthly publication of FAAC allocations and IGR figures, as well as regular consultations with experts and labour unions on the state’s financial standing.

He, however, said that the PDP remains committed to the welfare and interests of the people of Kwara and urges the government to take immediate steps to address these concerns and ensure transparency in the management of public funds.