The Ekiti Democratic Coalition has accused the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led All Progressives Congress Government of withholding the N30 billion released by the Federal Government to the State last week so as to be able to use part of the fund to settle his election expenses.
The group, in a release issued on Tuesday and signed by its Convener, Comrade Ogunlola Olatunde, described the statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Yinka Oyebode, denying receipt of the N30 billion as criminally fraudulent, insisting that the Federal Government released the fund just as it released N16 billion to the Osun State Government before last month’s governorship election.
The group, which insisted that there should be no argument as to whether or not the money has been received, added that Ogun State Government received N17.3 billion, being the last tranche of Paris Club last month, while Ondo State got N20.9 billion.
It disclosed that N38.8 billion was due to Ekiti State, with N22.6 billion as refund on federal roads construction, N2.1 billion arrears of Budget Support and N14.1 billion Paris Club refund, and that the fund was approved for payment since June.
The EDC said the Federal Government deliberately refused to release legitimate funds belonging to Ekiti State to the Ayo Fayose-led government, having allegedly concluded to rig the governorship election for Fayemi.
The group said it will be inhuman for the Fayemi-led government to hold on to the N30 billion already received instead of paying workers’ salary that ought to have been paid by the immediate past government if the fund was not withheld.
It insisted that Fayemi must use the N30 billion to clear the arrears of workers’ salary as promised, saying: “If Fayemi is desirous of settling those who funded his election, it should not be at the expense of Ekiti workers.”
But the Government in a statement by Oyebode said: “The attention of Ekiti State Government has been drawn to some malicious reports from some quarters that the new administration has received N30 billion from the Federal Government in the last one week.
“We would have ignored this baseless rumour that is being circulated on social media by some unscrupulous individuals, but for the sake of members of the public that could be misled in the process.
“The fact remains that the new administration has not received any money from the Federal Government or any of its agencies since its inauguration a week ago.
“As a responsible government that believes in accountability and transparency, this government will always provide correct information to the people on all its transactions and will not hide anything from the people.
“Members of the public are thereby assured of regular briefings on the state of finances and developments in the state.
“The era of government by deceit and falsehood has ended on October 15, 2018.
“The present administration is focused on meeting its obligations to workers, pensioners and the general public and will not be distracted by lies being told by remnants of the crumbled Ayo Fayose dynasty.”