From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised the alarm on the danger of releasing the balance of N30.8 billion bailout funds to Governor Yahaya Bello.
The PDP expressed the fear of the Governor diverting the fund to execute his second term bid project rather than ensuing the proper utilization of the money for the purpose intended.
The party said it had gathered that the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and the commissioner of finance have intensified efforts in lobbying the APC controlled federal government to secure the release of the balance of the bailout.
The PDP in a statement signed by the state publicity secretary, Bode Ogunmola, said there was the need to probe into the utilisation of the past funds so far released to the governor.
The party noted that the state is hugely indebted and owing workers salaries for upward of 38 months after it has taken several loans from banks without any development to show for it.
The PDP said, “All the administration has embarked upon is reckless looting of state resources and any attempt to compromise by the CBN would be a great disservice to the suffering people of Kogi State.”
The PDP disclosed that the bailout itself is not a free fund as the money is a loan that would be paid back over a period of time with 9 per cent interest, saying any government that prides itself in probity will ask questions on how past releases were utilised before committing the state into further debt.
The PDP, which explained that while it is not against the payment of workers their entitlements, said it had earlier suggested that the CBN should initiate moves to probe the utilisation of earlier releases and make arrangements to pay workers directly.
