Kogi ANPP, govt trade accusations over use of funds
From Alifa Daniel and Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja
THE All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Kogi State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of frittering the over N12 billion it got from the Federation Account between May 2003 and June 2004.
But spokesman for the state governor, Mr. Farouk Adejoh, dismissed the allegations of the ANPP stalwarts who addressed reporters at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Adejoh averred that the period in question witnessed unparalleled development of socially relevant projects.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly yesterday, Kogi ANPP chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Mabo Kassim, expressed shock that despite the increasing revenue accruing to the state from the Federation Account, very little achievements were recorded by the 17-month-old Idris Ibrahim administration.
His words: "Facts published on the allocation of resources to Kogi State within the first 12 months of Governor Idris' administration (June 2003 to May 2004) show that an unprecedented amount of N12,373,628,670.34 was received. This is the highest amount of funds any government has received within the period of 12 calendar months in the history of Kogi State."
But Adejoh yesterday reeled out the achievements of the governor within the period.
According to Adejoh, these include the ongoing construction of 200 kilometres stretch of road within the three senatorial districts at N3.5 billion; ongoing construction of 210 boreholes, 10 in each local council all totalling N2.5 billion; and construction of about 700 classroom blocks across the state.
Adejoh said: "These projects are without prejudice to the waterworks being built and refurbished in Lokoja, Okene, Idah, Ayegunle Gbede, Uguolano, Ankpa, Aiyetoro Gbede and Ajaka.
"Before Governor Idris came, the Lokoja Water Works was pumping about 100,000 litres of water per day, but today it is 1.3 million litres.
"That of Idah has been increased to two million litres per day and Okene, 600,000 litres per day. Before we came, primary schools pupils were attending classes under trees but today, he has changed that."
Kassim however contended that although the past ANPP regime in Kogi never got more than N4.5 billion in a year, it recorded more physical achievements than the current administration.
He listed some achievements of the current administration in the state but argued that "the scope of the projects so listed could not justify the N12 billion spent by the Idris administration in its first one year."
The Kogi ANPP boss also denied media reports that the past ANPP government left a debt of N58 billion for the current administration, pointing out that the governor was merely looking for an alibi for his poor performance.
He cautioned the governor against excessive foreign trips, noting: "We wish to remind Governor Idris that the governor's six trips to foreign countries in less than 17 months had not brought any specific investment to the state.
"Governor Idris' trips abroad are at very high cost to Kogi people. His last trip to South Africa for example cost the state government over N23 million."
On the spate of politically motivated crises in the state, the ANPP boss stated: "There is no doubt that the hasty desire of Governor Idris to put in place a political structure that will ensure his return to office in 2007 is at the root of these crises.
"We advise Governor Idris to focus on the development of Kogi State. He should make peace with his party men and women so that he can advance our beloved state," he stated.
