We used N300 million Kwara LG fund to pay salaries: Commissioner
The Kwara government on Friday denied claims of diversion of N300 million from the state local government fund.
Aliyu Saifudden, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, said the money was used to augment salaries and other expenses of local governments that were unable to meet the obligations.
Mr Saifudden said in Ilorin at the 32nd Media Parliament of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council, that the money accumulated over time from what remained of the monthly LG allocation.
“A lot of things have been said about money being diverted from the local government purse, let me make it clear that no N300 million was stolen from the local government funds.
“It was a misrepresentation of fact to have alleged that the state government has diverted money. The money they were talking about was reserved, but its custody was the only issue.
“The funds accumulated from allocations to local governments in the state became a problem and it was used to augment salaries in local governments,” the commissioner said.
The Chairman of NUJ in Kwara, Abdullateef Ahmed, said local governments must be allowed to operate independent of the control of state executives.
He said that this was necessary for the councils to perform optimally and meet the expectations of people at the grassroots.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
German export expectations fall for first time in three months
The ifo export expectations fell to 2.0 points in April from 1.2 points in March.
Anti-Corruption
Nigerian customs, port officials collect bribes; smuggled goods easily enter seaports, cross land borders: Investment Report
Businesses reported that bribery of customs and port officials remains common and often necessary to avoid extended delays in the port clearance process.
States
One killed, three injured in Kaduna auto crash; N8.7 million recovered: FRSC
The sector commander, Kabir Nadabo, said on Thursday in Kaduna that N8.7 million was recovered from the accident scene.
Africa
Widespread government corruption going on in South Africa under President Ramaphosa: U.S. Govt
The report alleged that the South African government did not take credible steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials.
Lagos
Lagos civil servants with N35,000 salary now earn N170,000: Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the civil servants began receiving the new wage in January.
Economy
SMEDAN launches competition to grow small businesses, enhance financial literacy
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has introduced a business pitch competition called ‘SMEDAN Speed Pitch’.