An uneasy calm has enveloped in Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following allegations of corruption against the major opposition party chairman, Engr. Kola Shittu by executives of the party.
The chairman had been alleged of mismanagement of fund tuning to millions of niara by party executives.
According to a top party executive who spoke off the record to THE INFORMANT247 after a meeting held lastweek Tuesday, said the chairman has been collecting money from eminent personalities on behalf of the Party without giving account for such fund.
The source further revealed that despite several donations to the party, it has been over a year since the party executives last get their allowances likewise the office clerical staffers.
The source said, “The state executive don’t collect salary but allowances, which we haven’t collect for about a year now. The office staff salaries are not paid for the past fifteen months now. He is just incompetent.”
Party excos were said to have took their grievances to the party’s WhatsApp platform to challenge the chairman over his several financial missaproprations.
However, the chairman was said to have denied these allegations also via WhatsApp claiming he never collected money from people on behalf of the party.
In a copy of his response obtained by THE INFORMANT247, he maintained that he can’t be attracted to money meant for the party.
The statement read, “In the past two or three days now, our platform has been dominated by money allegations against me (The party Chairman). I waited this while to react because I don’t trade words in the social media. I want each of you to further have an invesgative look at the accusations. Having given some time, you pls (please) find my submissions.
“Your Chairman didn’t (take) any money from Prof Sulyman (Abubakar) Prof Gana Isa, Ambassador Nimota Nihinlola (Akanbi). (I) am (sic) these responsible and respected humans are alive for you to confirm my claim.
“To get a better picture of that of Prof Sulyman, pls go further to contact our Secretary, Alhj (Alhaji) Kola Onimago. You all know how (sic) Hon Hamman (Ahman) Patigi gave to the party and how the whole party Exco (sic) share it.
I have been in contact with our youth leader who wrote the accusations and he has now (sic) known the truth. I have encouraged him not to be far away from the party and party secretariat where he has his office.
Your chairman has his integrity which he has built over the years. As a chartered civil Engineer and one time vice-president of COREN, a successful consulting Engineer, you will agree with me that I can’t be attracted to the monies meant for all of us.
“Throughout my services to Kwara State as commissioner for works, It is on record that I did not receive any gratification from any contactor nor any financial issues raised against me. That’s why (I) am very confident when we joke about EFCC. Those of you who (sic) we normally chart (sic) together with know this.
“Finally, like I said in our meeting last Tuesday, if I have offended any of you last year due to my actions or inactions, it is because of my intended drive to ensure the progress of our party. Let us face the New year with hope and success as I will always remain yr (your) obedient and cooperating colleague.”
Speaking with another top source within the party who confirmed the financial missaproprations allegation against the chairman, he said the chairman also lack prerequisite knowledge to lead a major opposition party.
“Due to his cluelessness, ever since he became the chairman, we have not win any seat, that evidently shows he is a badluck to our party”, the source said.
All efforts to get across to the party chairman prooved abortive as he didn’t pick several calls put to his known line and didn’t respond to a text message sent to him as at time of filling this report.