Kwara PDP condemns politicisation of social investment program
…Calls for investigation by EFCC, ICPC into KWASSIP operations
By Saka Laaro, Ilorin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has condemned the blatant politicisation of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), calling it a “gross abuse of office” and a “misuse of public funds” to further the partisan agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KWASSIP, modelled after the Federal government’s NSIP initiative, was intended to empower the poor and economically disadvantaged citizens of Kwara, particularly the youth and entrepreneurial populations. However, recent events have turned this initiative into a platform for political coercion. Unemployed citizens have reportedly been paraded with the Governor’s portrait and pressured to declare their defection to the APC in order to qualify for benefits from the program.
This troubling situation is being orchestrated by the Acting General Manager of KWASSIP, Mr. Tejidini Abdulwasiu Olayinka, who, as an academic, “should be aware of the ethical responsibilities of his role.” The PDP argues that this undermines the fundamental purpose of KWASSIP.
In a statement signed by State Publicity Secretary Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP criticised the ongoing claims of KWASSIP spending billions on empowerment initiatives while “poverty and unemployment rates, as well as food inflation, continue to rise.” They asserted that this failure is due to “corruption and the reckless politicisation” of a scheme meant to uplift the community.
The PDP also raised concerns about the administration’s alleged use of KWASSIP as a vote-buying mechanism. They highlighted instances from the 2023 general elections, where “names and bank account numbers of selected individuals—mainly APC loyalists—were compiled,” with funds disbursed shortly before the elections to influence voter behaviour.
Additionally, during recent local government elections, reports emerged of APC members being enrolled in KWASSIP in exchange for small tokens or promises of fertilisers. Alarmingly, some individuals, including non-partisans, were coerced into “falsely declaring PDP membership” and pledging loyalty to the APC before receiving any benefits.
This “weaponization of poverty,” according to the PDP, is a direct violation of the program’s core principles, which are funded by the taxes of hardworking Kwarans and intended to serve the public impartially.
In light of these serious allegations, the Kwara PDP is calling for a thorough investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies. They demand transparency regarding the total funds allocated to KWASSIP, the selection process for beneficiaries, loan disbursement procedures, repayment measures, and safeguards against corruption.
The statement emphasised that “the people of Kwara deserve clarity on how their resources are managed,” ensuring that KWASSIP adheres to legal standards, follows due process, and maintains transparency in all operations.
