As a democratically-elected and constitutionally recognised government that believes in the rule of law and freedom of expression, we cannot intimidate or otherwise abridge citizens’ right to express their views, political or otherwise. It is therefore completely untrue as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) claims that Kwara State has intimidated or plans to intimidate political opponents. It is ludicrous that the ACN feels the Peoples Democratic Party is unduely agitated over the said exit of some members. The so-called decampees from the PDP are individuals with doubtful political value, so as a PDP administration we are not losing any sleep over their departure. Once they realise their folly they will return shortly. Moreover, the PDP holds steadfast to the principle of party membership been derived from an individual desire.
There should be free entry and free exit. Again, we call for constructive opposition not one premised on vile propaganda and misinformation, which is the ACN”s credo. The Kwara State Government is not owing salaries to any of its workers. Not only are we meeting obligations such a staff salaries promptly, capital projects are proceeding rapidly as promised. The State Government equally notes emphatically that the reservation reportedly raised by the Central Bank of Nigeria on the loan facility it procured in the past was due to communication gap on the modus operandi of the facility. The loan was obtained by Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the erstwhile investment body, which is a separate legal entity, to buy shares in an effort to shore up internally generated revenue. The MOFI’s ability to repay was heavily hindered due to the stock market crash, but the said loan and shares have been taken over by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) which has the option of selling the shares to recover the said loan. The state’s new investment outfit, Harmony Holdings Ltd, which took over the assets and liabilities of MOFI is in discussion with AMCON to resolve the issue amicably.
The action of the CBN it must be emphasized was not an indication of Kwara’s insolvency as the State remains financially viable and has discharged its responsibilities. For example, we have 600 km of urban roads and 300km of rural roads at various stages of completion, we have rehabilitated 200 blocks of secondary classrooms, intervened on Federal roads such as Fate Rd, Ilorin, Kulende to Oyun Road, Ilorin, rehabilitated Pepele Waterworks to serve 10 communities in Ilorin East LG, sunk more 200 boreholes across the state, implemented more than 100 rural and urban electrification projects, supplied equipment to several hospitals and are currently rehabilitating Ilorin, Offa, Share, Kaiama, Omu-Aran Hospitals besides overhauling the School For Special Needs and laying the foundation for International Vocational Centre, Ajasse-Ipo. It is important that all Kwarans team up with the Abdulfatah Ahmed administration on the huge task of transforming Kwara State into a model one.
Dr. Femi Akorede SSA,
Media and Communications to the Governor
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor,
(Media and Communication),
Government House,
Ilorin.