CSOs kick off as Katsina State Authorities approves N499m from LG joint account ‘for mobilizing residents to welcome Buhari’
Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari has come below heavy criticism for approving N499.6 million for citizen mobilization to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari throughout his go to to the state.
Buhari is anticipated within the state for a two-day official go to from January 26 to 27, 2023 to inaugurate some tasks executed by the state authorities.
A leaked letter dated January 18, 2023 conveying approval for the discharge of the funds, which has gone viral, confirmed the governor had accepted the discharge of the cash.
In keeping with the letter signed by Yahuza S. Ibrahim on behalf of the Everlasting Secretary, Authorities Home, and addressed to the Commissioner for Native Authorities and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, the cash ought to come from the native authorities joint account.
“I’m requested to confer with your Letter No. S/MLGCA/GEN/259/C/IV dated January 17, 2023 and convey His Excellency the Governor’s approval for the discharge of N14,695,588.00 to every of the 34 LGC totaling N499,650,000.00 (4 Hundred Ninety 9 Million, Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Naira solely),” the letter learn.
“From the accessible stability of the 34 LGCs within the native authorities joint account to allow the LGCs to answer sufficient and efficient citizen mobilization to obtain Mr. President throughout an official go to to Katsina State from 26 to January 27, 2023.
“Enclosed is a photocopy of the endorsement in your steering. This letter is forwarded to the Accountant Common, Division of Finance and Native Authorities Auditor Common for outreach please.”
Reacting to the letter, the State Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) condemned the federal government’s resolution, describing it as the very best stage of corruption and squandermania.
Coalition Chairman Comrade Abdulrahaman Abdullahi whereas reacting to the event in a message despatched to THISDAY mentioned it was one of many methods through which native authorities funds are being diverted into the state by the federal government .
He mentioned that in a state like Katsina, the place youngsters had been educated on the bottom, entry to well being care was poor attributable to lack of human assets and medical gear and ingesting water was inaccessible to many communities, for the federal government to withdraw such a “prodigious quantity” for Buhari. go to is completely unacceptable.
“This cash, if used correctly, is sufficient to pay one-year stipends to greater than 4,000 informal employees within the state, present clear water to 500 communities, or fabricate 50,000 desks for our college students study in a extra conducive ambiance,” he mentioned.
“In spite of everything, it makes it clear to us that what the federal government has mentioned about native authorities’ lack of ability to pay their employees’ wages attributable to inadequate funds will not be true.”
Nonetheless, the State Commissioner for Native Authorities and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo-gwajo, informed reporters at a press convention that there was no such endorsement from the state authorities.
“I name on individuals to cease performing on the idea of hypothesis, that there’s certainty about no matter individuals will need to react to. If mentioned letter is true and it reaches my desk, I’ll see what it comprises and if such approval is given , i’ll see what it’s for and who ought to act upon it however in the mean time there’s nothing prefer it and now we have our native authorities funds intact on the account,” he mentioned.
Additionally reacting, Governor Masari’s Managing Director (New Media), Al’Amin Isa, mentioned the mentioned endorsement letter was pretend and challenged those that made the allegation to show its authenticity.
