Delta denies misappropriation of N9b

The Delta State Government has denied misappropriating N9 billion as alleged by former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye.
Melaye has at a press briefing alleged that the fund was mismanaged.
The N9 billion was given to Delta State from the Excess Crude Account.
Reacting to the development, the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, said there was no iota of truth in all the allegations levelled by Melaye.
Macaulay said contrary to the claim by Melaye, the money was disbursed over a period of six weeks and with all the necessary approvals.
He said in the statement: “The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to the press briefing by Hon Dino Melaye alleging mismanagement of funds, specifically the N9b excess crude funds released to the state in December 2012.
“It will be recalled that in the last two years, the fund allocation from the Federation has been dwindling. States have therefore been requesting for the release of part of the excess crude fund to deal with outstanding commitments.
“The excess Crude referred to by Dino Melaye came in two tranches of N1,090,380,894.61 and N8,348,064,864.52 on 10th December, 2012.
“Meanwhile the sum of N22,677,938,653.12 was being owed contractors and Ministries, Departments and Agencies mainly for capital projects. The N9b was therefore used to offset part of this commitment.
“Contrary to the impression given by Dino Melaye that the money was spent in less than three days, payment commenced in mid-December, 2012 and closed at the end of January, 2013 a period of over six weeks.
“All the payments were duly budgeted for and due process duly followed.
“It must be noted that the Delta State Government uses the ICT based SAP financial management system which has ensured transparency in our payment system.
“It is on record that many people have complained of the strict payment system by the Delta State Government. This is to ensure proper record keeping and accountability.
“It is well known that the Delta State Government has been pursuing the Delta Beyond Oil Agenda to ensure that in future the State does not have to depend on Federal Allocation alone for survival.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Finance will be addressing the press in the next few days to give details of the financial management system.
“We urge Hon Melaye to properly investigate whatever information they get before coming out with allegations that are frivolous.”