Date: 2015-07-28

The Kwara State government has denied claims that Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the crisis at the National Assembly are responsible for the delay in constituting the state executive council.

In a statement by Dr Muyideen Akorede, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, the state government described the claims as false, unfounded, and insensitive.

Stressing that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed addressed the issue during last week's interactive programme, The Governor Explains, the statement re- emphasized that the delayed appointment of commissioners and special advisers was caused by the financial challenges facing the state and the need to adjust government programmes and plans accordingly.

The State Government added that having successfully navigated the state's finances thus far despite the nationwide economic crisis, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is realigning his administration's plans and programmes to take cognisance of the financial challenges imposed by the drop in federal allocations to all tiers of government since 2014.

According to the statement, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed can only constitute his cabinet and make other necessary appointments after finalising strategies to ensure prompt payment of workers' salaries and meet other important obligations promptly.

Stressing that adequate financing is critical to the success of any programme, the state government said it is presently concerned with growing its Internally Generated Revenue to augment dwindling federal allocations as a way out of the financial challenges confronting the state.

The statement added that in line with provisions of the law, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has already initiated the process of constituting the state executive council by seeking the State House of Assembly's approval to appoint ten special advisers, adding that more appointments will be made in due course.