The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to secure a $35 million loan, equivalent to N56 billion, under the NG-CARES programme.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Monday, the party’s spokesperson, Mr. Kola Olabisi, expressed concerns over the implications of the loan, warning that it could push the state further into financial crisis.
Olabisi revealed that Osun State had previously entered into an undisclosed agreement to obtain a $16 million (N26.6 billion) loan for the ‘Nigeria for Women Project’ without public awareness.
He alleged that the proposed N56 billion loan would come from the second phase of NG-CARES, known as NG-CARES Additional Financing.
He further stated that the facility had already been signed by the state’s Commissioner for Finance and witnessed by the Accountant-General, with disbursement expected early next year.
According to Olabisi, the lack of transparency surrounding the loan has led to suspicions that the funds might be diverted to finance political ambitions, particularly the 2026 governorship election.
“The repayment of this loan over 30 years will saddle future generations with debt,” he said.
Olabisi also claimed that despite denials, Adeleke’s administration had mismanaged significant state resources since coming into office.
He called on Osun residents to demand accountability and clarity about the state’s financial position.
The APC spokesperson also linked the governor’s recent decision to pardon 53 prisoners to political motives.
Among those pardoned, he alleged, was a police officer, Amein George, who was facing murder charges at the Ilesa Magistrate Court.
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Your Claims Are Baseless – Adeleke’s Spokesperson
In response to the allegations, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless.
Rasheed stated that no loans had been acquired under the NG-CARES programme and described the accusations as fabricated.
“As a member of the executive council, I can categorically state that no loan request has been made for any project,” Rasheed declared.
Regarding the pardons, Rasheed explained that the process followed due diligence and was in line with legal provisions.
He said the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy meticulously reviewed each case before recommending the 53 beneficiaries.
“The governor acted within the confines of the law, and the APC’s selective focus on one case reeks of mischief,” Rasheed added.
Rasheed accused the APC of engaging in propaganda to discredit the Adeleke administration, insisting that Osun residents are enlightened and would not be swayed by falsehoods.
“Governor Adeleke remains committed to transparency and the welfare of Osun people,” he concluded.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
