Follow Us on Google
From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
The decision by the Katsina State government to release N5 billion in multiple approvals for purported purchase of fertiliser and for an unspecified number of less-privileged persons across the 34 local government areas has sparked controversy.
Questioning the timing for the release of the money, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement, said Katsina State people should remember that the administration of Aminu Bello Masari has never released such bulk money at once for the purpose of purchases of fertiliser and other farming input at a go.
“The 2023 government budget for agriculture is N13,604,492 designed for various projects in the sector, including rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, purchase of agro-chemicals, the ranching development project and pastoralists’ empowerment, among others.
“But one of the multiple directives from the government house, dated February 16, 2023 and addressed to the commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Bello Isa Fago, said: “Reference to your letter, dated February 14, I am directed to convey the approval of the governor for the release of one billion, one hundred forty-two million, five hundred and sixty-five thousand, eight hundred and eighty-three naira only to enable the councils to purchase and distribute NPK/Urea fertiliser and other materials.
“This letter is copied to the accountant general, Ministry of Finance and auditor general of local government for awareness.”
According to the statement signed by Kabir Yusuf Yar’Adua on behalf of the Atiku/Lado PDP campaign council, “the attention of Katsina State campaign council for Atiku/Lado has been drawn to the various releases of funds by Katsina State APC government to the 34 local government areas in the state over the purported purchases of NPK/Urea fertiliser, farming inputs and foods as well as other materials to be distributed to farmers and the less-privileged.
“First and foremost, are the farming input and the fertiliser meant for dry season farming of 2022/2023 season which has already started since last November, or are they meant for 2023 rainy season which is yet to set in?
“Can the governor give a fiat approval for such huge amount of money (running into billions) without recourse to the state executive council?
“Why is it that the timing for the release of such funds coincides with the general election? It is, therefore, imperative and incumbent upon all the good people of Katsina State not to allow the government to induce them through false votes-buying, false promises, fictitious allocation of farming input or foods to them.
“The PDP has assembled credible candidates who, given the mandate by the electorates, will turn around the fortunes of the economy by providing infrastructure, employment generations to the able-bodied youths, overhauling the agricultural sector to be one of the drivers of the economy and above all ensuring the security of lives and property of the people by eliminating banditry, kidnapping and arsons in the society.”
