Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Kwara State has denied the claim that it awarded a contract valued at $800 million to the Governor’s elder brother and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday night, the Commissioner for Communication, Bolanle Olukoju, said that a comment attributed to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim that the Governor awarded a contract worth $800m (N1.2trillion) is false, reckless, ill-conceived, and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction.
“At no time did the government of the state even award a contract worth $800m.
“We are, therefore, alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim to claim in a radio broadcast that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800m to his elder brother. This is false, baseless, and malicious.
“Throughout the radio programme, Alhaji Iliasu and his co-travellers did not mention the specific FG’s project or programme that he claimed was awarded to Dr Alimi.
“The Governor’s elder brother, Dr Alimi, is an accomplished and respected senior lawyer and a Bencher. He is not a contractor.
“Besides, at no time did Kwara get a Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800m (N1.2trillion) — much less award it to anyone in the state.
“But particularly concerning is how a radio station allowed its platform to peddle such disinformation without anyone on its management team cautioning the guest and the anchor.
“Whilst Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conduct long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection on a grander scale carries immeasurable risk for any reputable media platform and public peace.
“We concede the right of every citizen to freedom of expression. However, such freedom comes with corresponding responsibility and a duty of care to other citizens and the general public.” Olukoju said.
The Commissioner, therefore, called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible.
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