PDP uncovers alleged moves by Bello administration to circumvent NFIU Policy

Ahead of June 1 when the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, will commence implementation of its new financial regulation on states and local governments’ joint accounts across the country, the Kogi State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have accused the Yahaya Bello led Kogi State Government of, “deliberate attempt to allegedly circumvent the policy in connivance with the United Bank for Africa”.

The accusation was made Tuesday, May 28, by Kogi State Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Bode Ogunmola, in a statement released to the press.

The party accused the state government of allegedly holding a meeting with eight Directors of Local Governments, Head of Works Department and allegedly directing eight local government councils in the state to obtain N3billion loan from the United Bank for Africa, UBA.

The PDP alleged that the local government councils were directed to tie the N3billion loan to a project to be advertised immediately.

The party also warned against further indebtedness of the state and the councils.

The PDP fingered the UBA branch in Lokoja as the bank, the Bello administration wants to use in accessing the N3 billion loan.

In a swift reaction, Kingsley Fanwho, the Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, refuted the allegation, saying the" Governor cannot access funds through the Local Government Councils. It is not possible in this age, where every transaction is open. You can speak to the Local Government Councils and know if they are doing such transactions. This Government doesn’t involve itself in financial misdemeanors. We work strictly on transparency and accountability. We didn’t wait for NFIU, before granting autonomy to our councils. We won’t have time to respond to the PDP all the time as we are busy fixing the ruins of 13 years in the state".

×