Senate Approves N10.069 bn Refund To Kogi State

By Bimbo Ogunnaike

Ahead of Kogi State governorship election slated for Saturday,the Senate on Wednesday approved the refund of N10.069 billion to state governmen.

The approval followed a report by the Senate Committee Chairman on Local debts and Foreign Loans, Senator Clifford Akhimienmona Ordia.

“Senate on 16th October 2019 began consideration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to approve N10.069 for Kogi State government being refunds of expenses done on behalf of the Federal government.

“The Committee interacted with the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works,

Following the report, Senate Minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe cautioned the Senate on approving refund at a time when the governorship election was three days, stressing that the money could be used to fund election.

Abaribe called for a weeks delay on grounds that the governor was notorious for misappropriating funds which should be used to the advantages of Kogi people.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, however, closed contributions on the matter saying that he would not entertain any more opinions.

“Thanks for making your point, but I can’t take any more contributions.

In the last Senate, Kogi State had applied for the fund alongside other states during the 7th senate but was not approved, supports say it is a mere coincidence that the state re-applied at a time close to the election.

The refund was approved after majority voice votes were taken.