https://www.gistmeblog247.com.ng/3275/2021/08/20/n35b-bond-group-denounces-saraki-link-2/

Kwara Stakeholders Consultative forum (Efura) which sued the state governor, Abdulrazak AbdulRahman and others on the proposed N35b bond/loan has denied any connection with a former governor of the state, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in the suit.

In a statement issued by the media committee of the group and signed by its chairman, Alhaji Ayodele Olaegbe, the group said linking Saraki to the group is not only outrageous and dementia but another failed attempt by government propaganda machinery to deflect the public from the issue of impropriety of the bond.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Kwara Stakeholders Consultative Forum is a registered non-governmental organisation committed to good governance by scrutinising activities of government and ensuring equity, peace and justice in the state.

“The group has no link, directly or indirectly, to Saraki or any political or individual interest”, the group affirmed.

According to the group, ” the case reference number CAC/IT/NO 141207, at the federal high court, Abuja, is premised on our suspicion and conviction that a
situation where a state appoints a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, to float a private bond is a strategy to avoid public scrutiny and suggests that the likely investors are not inclined to be those that are statutorily bound to comply with the guidelines of transparency in financial transactions.

“We also believe that the bond/loan was hurriedly approved by the State House of Assembly and did not go through established norms of legislative approval.

“Once a bond is sourced to carry out governance due to lack of funds, the people must be alive to participate in its process through public hearing. More importantly, this government is yet to explain to kwarans how it intends to balance the dispensation of the funds and repayment mode without subjecting the people to additional hardship.

“It is trite, therefore, to insinuate that the group which comprises former and serving commissioners, permanent secretaries, financial and media experts, labour leaders, women and youth groups, Muslim and Christian clerics, among others, is under the tutelage of anyone.

This one is plenty