Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State yesterday exonerated his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, of allegations of mismanagement of funds raised for victims of last year’s flood in the state.
He spoke Saturday in Lokoja at a Town Hall meeting which marked the end of the National Good Governance Tour of the state.
Wada, who said Awoniyi did not directly withdraw from the funds, said the state received the sum of 726 million from the Federal Government and notable individuals, and the entire process regarding its management was transparent.
“The federal government gave us N500 million, Aliko Dangote gave us N150 million and we got funds from other well meaning Nigerians. That money was kept in dedicated bank accounts and the state government did not take any money out of the account on its own; we can confidently say to the best of our knowledge that the funds were never mismanaged,” he said.
Wada also said his administration intends to acquire a N20 billion bond as part of efforts to develop the state.
He said his state is also seeking investors that will partner the state government to build an airport in Lokoja to serve as an alternate airport for Abuja and also for evacuation of goods.
“Banks and financial institutions are contributing as stakeholders to the bond project.The banks have their representatives who observe to ensure that the funds are properly utilized,” he said.
