The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the National Assembly to invoke its statutory powers and directly channel the N10.069 billion Presidential Funds for payment of salaries and pensions of “suffering” Kogi state workers.
The PDP in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan said it was scandalous that President Muhammadu Buhari would seek to mislead the National Assembly by asserting that the fund was for projects done by the state government on behalf of the federal government.
The party argued that in reality no one can point to any such project executed by Governor Yahaya Bello in the last four years in the state.
The PDP insisted that if there was no intentions of pushing the funds to Governor Bello for “anti-people purposes,” the Presidency should name and point to the particular project executed by the governor as well as make the terms and payment agreements public for Nigerians to see.
“The PDP describes as endorsement of corruption and inexcusable injury to the people of Kogi state, for President Muhammadu Buhari to seek to direct funds to Governor Yahaya Bello, for phantom projects, and neglect the Kogi workers many of whom are owed salaries and pension in arrears of 36 months.
“Such action by Mr. President further confirms that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is directly in league with Governor Yahaya Bello to strangulate the people of Kogi state.
“If the Buhari Presidency means well for Kogi state, it should reword its request and put the interest of the masses ahead of all selfish and parochial political considerations, particularly as the state approaches a critical election in which the people have made up their minds to vote out Governor Yahaya Bello,” the PDP said.
