Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara state has directed immediate suspension of all officials named in alleged extortion of farmers in the state’s Ministry of Agriculture through the sale of unauthorised registration forms.
In a statement by the media spokesman to the governor on Wednesday, the governor said that the government had at no time approved the sale of any forms to register farmers and that the administration found it strange that some officials could ever do such a thing to poor farmers.
“In the light of the development, we wish to state the following: That neither the Governor nor the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development at any time approved the sale of forms to anyone, including farmers, in the guise of whatever scheme or census for farmers.
ALSO READ: COVID-19: Crescent University engages students online
“That preliminary in-house findings have been made and they suggested clear wrongdoings. That the Head of Service has accordingly been directed to suspend all the affected officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. This is to send the signal that such misconduct will not be condoned by the Governor.
“That we call on the EFCC to immediately step in to investigate and prosecute anyone found guilty of ripping off the poor farmers, thus making it clear that his administration will never tolerate such behaviours under whatever guise.
“And, finally, that the government will ensure the refund of the money of the victim-farmers who would be requested to bring forward the said forms that they purchased to claim their refund. The government sincerely regrets this embarrassing behaviour of the affected officials and apologises to the affected farmers”.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES
VIDEO: Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, Tests Positive For Coronavirus
Bauchi governor, Bala Mohammed, has tested positive for coronavirus. This is according to a release by the Bauchi State government, signed by Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mukhtar Gididado. The statement made public on Tuesday contained that, “this is to inform the general public that the result of the six… See the video
Lagos Markets To Shut Down On Friday
Lagos markets, offices, showrooms, and warehouses operating under the umbrella of Market Leaders and Traders Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, will shut down, on Friday, over the raging coronavirus epidemic. In a statement issued this morning and signed by Comrade Christopher Okpala and Comrade… Read full story
FG Alerts Nigerians On Existence Of Coronavirus Ransomware
The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians to the existence of an Android-based malicious and fraudulent Coronavirus Ransomware Application, which claims to provide updates on the virus and infections near the user. In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji… Read full story