PDP Demands Probe into Alleged Fraud in Kebbi’s ‘Kaura Cares’ Programme
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the disbursement of funds under the NG-Cares program, locally known as ‘Kaura Cares’.
The party expressed its concerns over the misuse of resources meant to benefit the poor and vulnerable.
In a statement issued to the press on Tuesday, the PDP’s Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa-Kalgo, referenced a disclosure made by Kebbi’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, on September 4, 2024, which hinted at the fraud.
“The PDP urges the Kebbi government and anti-corruption agencies to publicly reveal the individuals involved in these fraudulent actions,” Bawa-Kalgo said. He criticised the state government for not taking swift action or revealing the identities of those implicated in the misuse of funds.
The PDP believes the fraud could not have occurred without the involvement of insiders. “Only officials connected to the disbursement process had access to the accounts and bank details of the 65,000 registered beneficiaries,” Bawa-Kalgo added, casting suspicion on a potential cover-up involving top officials.
The NGCAREs initiative, funded by the World Bank, is aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, but the PDP expressed dismay that it has been marred by corruption.
The party also called on federal agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to launch a thorough investigation into the Kebbi segment of the program.
This comes just weeks after the Kebbi State Government launched the disbursement of N6.5 billion to 65,000 beneficiaries under the ‘Kaura Cares’ Livelihood Support Programme. Governor Nasir Idris himself flagged off the disbursement, symbolically conducting the first transaction using a Point of Sale (POS) machine.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the state government to address the allegations and ensure transparency in the handling of public funds intended to alleviate the plight of the most vulnerable in society.
