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The Katsina State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) government's plans to spend about N500 million on President Muhammadu Buhari's two-day visit.
According to the opposition party, such funds should have been used to address the state's socioeconomic challenges, such as insecurity, low education and health standards, rather than for frivolous hosting.
Buhari is expected to commission projects carried out by the state government during his visit to the state on January 26 and 27.
However, a leaked government letter revealed that the state had approved N499.65 million from local council funds in the Joint Account to mobilize residents to welcome the President to the state.
In the letter written on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Katsina, by one Yahuza Ibrahim, to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, N14,695,588 is to be released to each of the 34 local councils for “effective mobilisation of citizens” to welcome the President.
The letter reads: “l am directed to refer to your letter No. /MLGCA/GEN/259/C/IV of January 17, 2023 and to convey the approval of the governor for the release of N14,695,588 to each of the 34 local councils totalling N499.65 million from the available balance of the councils in the Local Government Joint Account to enable them cater for adequate and effective mobilisation of citizens to receive Mr. President during an official visit to Katsina from January 26 to 27, 2023.”
Speaking to newsmen yesterday on behalf of the PDP, the Chairman, Atiku/Lado Integrity Forum, Lawal Yar’Adua, described the development as shocking, and possible plan to divert public funds by the APC government.
Yar’Adua said the money should have been used to help residents affected by insecurity, including scores of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
He said the education, health and related sectors were not doing well, and that such money should be used to address the problems, instead.
“I am sure that if Buhari gets to hear that such money is to be spent on his visit, he would definitely frown on it, as it goes against his anti-corruption policy,” he said.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ya’u Gwajo-Gwajo, dismissed the allegation as mere speculation.
Gwajo-Gwajo said monies meant for the local councils in the join account were intact, and that he was not aware there had been any letter authorising withdrawal from the said funds.