Kebbi PDP: Poverty destroying our people… Idris only erecting white elephant projects

The Kebbi state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the administration of Nasir Idris, the state governor, is squandering funds on white elephant projects. 

Usman Bello-Suru, chairman of Kebbi PDP, said this on Friday while critiquing the government’s 100 days in office.

Bello-Suru said poverty is killing residents of the state on a daily basis without any substantial intervention from the government.

He said the government has spent N20 billion on the beautification of Birnin Kebbi but has refused to address the increase in poverty levels across the state.

“It is on record that the state governor spent close to N2 billion on domestic and international trips with no bearing on human development, when over 10,000 citizens are scattered and displaced as a result of banditry,” he said. 

“People of Zuru emirate are suffering from the unmotorable roads for a very long time.

“N7 billion would have been enough to solve their problem, while white elephant projects are centred in one local government area, Birnin Kebbi.”

Bello-Suru said the Kebbi government has abandoned the health sector after sharing “toxic” fertilisers to farmers.

He also faulted the award of the N10 billion contract for the completion of the state secretariat.

KEBBI GOVERNMENT REACTS

In his reaction, Ahmed Idris, the chief press secretary to the governor, said all the allegations were baseless.

He said the PDP is being jittery because of the transformation the All Progressives Congress-led (APC) government has spearheaded in the last 100 days.

“I want to confirm to the general public that many of the PDP members are now in support of policies and programmes of the present administration in Kebbi, in view of the developmental efforts of the governor,” Idris said. 

“It is not a hidden thing.

“Some PDP members willingly went on air commending Gov. Nasir Idris for achieving a lot in just a limited period of time.

“In fact, I saw many PDP members who attended the 100 days in office celebration.”