The Kwara State Government has vehemently denied claims that it awarded a contract to the Governor's elder brother and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, the government described a comment attributed to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahimthat the Governor awarded a contract worth $800 million (N1.2 trillion) to his elder brotheras false, reckless, ill-conceived, and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction. Alarm Over Recklessness

The government expressed alarm at the nature of the allegation: "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,” the statement said.

The statement pointed out that throughout the radio programme, Hon. Iliasu and his "co-travellers" did not mention the specific project or programme that was allegedly awarded to Dr. Alimi.

The government concluded by emphasizing Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq's professional standing: "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 conducts 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.

"As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their right to do a review of same.”