The Government of Delta State has denied viral reports saying it was seeking a new ₦100 billion loan, describing reports about such claims as misinformation that should be disregarded in its entirety.
In a statement that was made available to Africa Today News, New York, Mr. Fidelis Tilije who is the Commissioner for Finance, explained that the state government had previously received approval from the House of Assembly to obtain N150 billion in bridging finance.
He went on to add that the fund was later reduced to N100 billion after discussions with finance houses involved.
According to Tilije, a new leading finance agent emerged and due to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s adherence to what he described as the proper procedure, the government sought fresh approval from the House of Assembly.
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He confirmed that the N100 billion discounting facility is the same amount that had been previously discussed, adding that the state government went back to the House of Assembly to change the lead bank.
‘The N20 billion loan is for investment by the state government in a floating gas company in Warri and is expected to provide jobs and increase the state’s revenue.
‘The commissioner commended journalists for their objectivity and accused the APC of spreading lies. The state government remains committed to transparency and accountability,’ Tilije said.
Meanwhile, amid ongoing campaigns ahead of the February 25 presidential election, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has cautioned politicians against abusing or insulting one another.
The Sultan gave the charge on Tuesday when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, visited his palace amid plans to hold a campaign rally in the state.
‘Whatever you do with the fear of God, if you believe God gives and God takes, you will succeed and you will end well in this life. This life is a short stay here. We must work for the eternal life there,” he said.
‘And in doing so, we must never insult people. We must never abuse people. We must never break relationships and friendships, no matter what political party we belong to.
‘It’s very important – God gives power to whom He wants at the time He wants, and He will take it away from you at the time He wants without even warning you.’
The religious leader stated that Nigerians across political divides must work together with all honesty and sincerity.