The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent disbursement of NG-Cares also known as “Kaura Cares” in the state.
The PDP Secretary in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa-Kalgo, made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Binrin Kebbi.
He said: “The fraudulent activities were initially disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK in a statement issued on September 4, 2024.
“The PDP urges the Kebbi State government and anti-corruption agencies to publicly reveal the individuals involved in this fraudulent action.
“The party is disturbed by the state government’s failure to take action against the identified charlatans or disclose their identities to the public.”
Bawa-Kalgo stressed the need for an internal investigation as only officials involved in the disbursement had access to the accounts and bank details of the 65,000 registered beneficiaries.
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He added: “The PDP questions the commissioner’s statement and suspects a possible cover-up of top government officials involved in the fraud.
”The PDP expresses disappointment that a programme meant to support the poor and vulnerable has been exploited by those entrusted with its management at the detriment of the intended beneficiaries.”
The secretary also called on the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, National Social Safety Administration, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to thoroughly evaluate the Kebbi components of NG-Cares.
“This is to uncover any fraudulent activities and mismanagement of funds by those responsible for its administration in the state,” Bawa-Kalgo concluded.
The Kebbi State government had on August 6 launched the disbursement of N6.5 billion to 65,000 people under “Kaura Cares” of the Livelihood Support Programme in the state.
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