Group demands explanation from FG over N10bn released to Kogi on election eve

A group known as the Kogi Professionals in Kaduna State (KPKS) has demanded explanation from the federal government over the release of N10 billion to the state on the eve of the governorship election.

The money is a refund for projects the state government executed on behalf of the federal government.

There has been outrage following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s request by the senate to release the funds to the state.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Isa Ainoko, spokesman of the group, said the money could be used to influence voters.

“The federal government has more explaining to do on the timing of its release of N10 billion to Governor Yahaya Bello just before election day,” Ainoko said.

“It is extremely reprehensible that a state that is completely lacking in all the indices of development and progress is also the state where extremely audacious thugs can attack a female governorship candidate in the presence of both the inspector-general of police and the chairman of INEC.

“It is troubling that a government that has transparency and progressive ideals as the foundation of its populist campaign in 2015 now seem hell-bent on ensuring the exact opposite in the lives of Kogites.

“There seems to be more to the issue of the release of N10 billion war chest to Kogi state so close to a decisive election, especially when one hears that a particular party could be plotting to buy up votes and election personnel at any cost.

“During Saturday’s election, Kogites must struggle to free themselves from pauperization and a dark future for the young generation by voting sensibly; our people should not sustain politicians who hold the people and the progress of our state in deep contempt.”

While calling on security agencies to avoid the spread of violence, he said democracy “is receding fast in Kogi state.”