Delta State Government has debunked allegations that it mismanaged N9
Billion Excess Crude funds released to the state in December 2012.
Reacting to a purported press briefing by Hon. Dino Melaye, Secretary to
the State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay in a Press Statement in
Asaba, Wednesday, said in spending the money, due process was duly
followed and every fund accounted for, urging Hon. Melaye to “properly
investigate whatever information they get before coming out with
allegations that are frivolous.”
The full text of the SSG’s statement reads:
“The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to the press
briefing by Hon Dino Melaye alleging mismanagement of funds, specifically
the N9b excess crude funds released to the state in December 2012.
“It will be recalled that in the last two years, the fund allocation from
the Federation has been dwindling. States have therefore been requesting
for the release of part of the excess crude fund to deal with outstanding
commitments.
“The excess Crude referred to by Dino Melaye came in two tranches of
N1,090,380,894.61 and N8,348,064,864.52 on 10th December, 2012.
“Meanwhile the sum of N22,677,938,653.12 was being owed contractors and
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) mainly for capital projects.
The N9b was therefore used to offset part of this commitment.
“Contrary to the impression given by Dino Melaye that the money was spent
in less than three days, payment commenced in mid- December, 2012 and
closed at the end of January, 2013 a period of over 6weeks.
:All the payments were duly budgeted for and due process duly followed.
“It must be noted that the Delta State Government uses the ICT based SAP
financial management system which has ensured transparency in our payment
system.
“It is on record that many people have complained of the strict payment
system by the Delta State Government. This is to ensure proper record
keeping and accountability.
“It is well known that the Delta State Government has been pursuing the
Delta Beyond Oil Agenda to ensure that in future the State does not have
to depend on Federal Allocation alone for survival.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Finance will be addressing the press in
the next few days to give details of the financial management system.
“We urge Hon Melaye to properly investigate whatever information they get
before coming out with allegations that are frivolous.”