Kwara Group Calls for Transparency, Accountability in KWASSIP
The Kwara Advancement Initiative (KAI), a civil society and non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability in Kwara State has expressed profound concern over allegations of exploitation and politicization of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP).
The group, in a statement signed by its Head, Democratic Mobilization and Monitoring Desk,
Hajia Adeola Bashiru, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into KWASSIP's activities, ensuring strict adherence to its establishment laws, due process and transparency.
The group stated that the investigation should encompass KWASSIP's beneficiary selection process, fund disbursement and management, transparency and accountability, potential politicisation and conflict of interest.
"KWASSIP's beneficiary selection criteria and procedures must be scrutinised to prevent favoritism and ensure equity, justice and fairness. The disbursement process, tracking and enforcement mechanisms also require examination.
"Furthermore, KWASSIP's financial records, including budget allocation, expenditure and auditing practices, demand thorough review.
"The recent actions of KWASSIP's Acting Director-General, Dr. Abdulwasiu Tejidini, have compromised the agency's credibility. His involvement in partisan politics, welcoming opposition party members into the ruling APC at the KWASSIP office, indicated a diversion from KWASSIP's core mission. It shows that State funds are being used for partisan politics.
"This blatant abuse of power undermines trust and mandates an immediate separation of politics from State social intervention programmes", the group stated.
To restore trust and ensure KWASSIP serves its intended purpose, KAI has recommended governance restructuring to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms, preventing future abuse of power.
The group further added that transparent, merit-based criteria for loan recipients must be established. Regular audits and financial reporting will ensure accountability and transparency in financial management, it stated.
While calling on the EFCC and ICPC to scrutinize KWASSIP's activities, promoting transparency, accountability and good governance, the group noted that the people of Kwara State deserve better.
Signed
Hajia Adeola Bashiru,
Head, Democratic Mobilization and Monitoring Desk,
Kwara Advancement Initiative (KAI).
October 22nd, 2024.
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