Probe Kwara officials for N14.2b misappropriation, group tells EFCC

The Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the head of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr. AbdulWasiu Tejidini, and the Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), Baba Okanla, over alleged financial misconduct and corruption.

In a petition addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, dated November 28, 2024, a copy of which was obtained by The Guardian, Executive Director of the Initiative, Nurudeen Adebayo, accused the duo of mismanaging a combined sum of N14.2 billion.

The petition accuses Tejidini of receiving N12.6 billion from the Kwara State treasury for 2024 without providing transparency regarding the utilization of the funds.

Adebayo expressed concern over the absence of a public list of beneficiaries, raising suspicions of potential fraud and a lack of accountability, particularly given the significant amount of funds involved.

The petition further alleges that KWASIEC, under Okanla’s leadership, received N1.6 billion to conduct local government elections in Kwara State. However, the elections were reportedly marred by shortages of materials and manpower, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.

Adebayo contended that the poor execution of the electoral process calls into question the proper utilization of the allocated funds, suggesting possible financial mismanagement.

He called for the arrest and prosecution of the heads of these agencies to “restore public confidence and serve as a deterrent to other public officers.”

“The failure of these two public offices to act with accountability undermines the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle corruption and alleviate poverty. Agencies like KWASSIP and KWASIEC, instead of being instruments of development, have become conduits for siphoning public funds, resulting in worsening hunger, frustration, and disenfranchisement among citizens,” the petition stated.

Adebayo added that the group directed the petition to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, bypassing the Ilorin Zonal Office due to concerns over an alleged growing alliance between the Kwara State Governor and the Ilorin Zonal Office, which could potentially compromise local investigations.

“These officials do not enjoy immunity and should therefore be held accountable for their actions. We urge the EFCC Headquarters to intervene decisively, as Kwara State is presently enduring what appears to be the most corrupt administration in its history, allegedly under the supervision of the state governor,” the petition concluded.