KWASSIP Spending Sparks Controversy As EFCC Petitioned Over Alleged Financial Misconduct
Concerns over the management of funds allocated to the Kwara State Social Investment Program (KWASSIP) have intensified following a radio program aired on October 24, 2024. The program featured a discussion between Dr. Olayinka Wasiu Tejidini, Director General of KWASSIP, and Comrade Olusegun Sholyment, Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, Dr. Tejidini reportedly failed to provide clear answers regarding the program’s expenditures, sparking public outrage.
In response, the Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative (KTAI) has submitted a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its Abuja headquarters. The petition calls for an investigation into KWASSIP’s financial operations and demands that the program’s accounts be made public.
Key Allegations in the Petition
The petition highlights several issues of alleged financial misconduct, including:
1. Lack of Transparency in ₦12.6 Billion KWASSIP Funds: The petition accuses Dr. Tejidini of failing to provide a verifiable list of beneficiaries and alleges that the funds intended to alleviate poverty have instead heightened public suspicion of fraud.
2. Mismanagement of ₦1.6 Billion for Local Elections: The petition also targets Mr. Baba Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), accusing him of financial mismanagement during the recently conducted local government elections, which were marred by shortages of materials and manpower.
Calls for Investigation and Prosecution
The petitioners have requested the EFCC to:
• Investigate the disbursement and administration of the ₦12.6 billion KWASSIP funds.
• Probe the utilization of the ₦1.6 billion allocated to KWASIEC.
• Prosecute Dr. Tejidini and Mr. Okanla if found culpable of financial misconduct.
The KTAI emphasized that the funds in question belong to the people of Kwara State and should not be treated as personal assets by government officials.
Concerns Over EFCC Zonal Office
In a notable development, the petition was submitted directly to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, bypassing the Ilorin Zonal Office. The petitioners cited concerns over a perceived alliance between the Kwara State governor and the Ilorin Zonal Office, which they believe could compromise the integrity of a local investigation.
Public Outcry
This development has further fueled public dissatisfaction, with many residents calling for accountability and transparency in the administration of state funds. Social commentators and advocacy groups have also expressed support for the investigation, stating that decisive action is necessary to restore public confidence in governance.
The EFCC is yet to respond to the petition, but citizens are hopeful that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted to address the allegations.
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