The Kwara State Government has firmly denied issuing any contract worth $800 million (approximately ₦1.2 trillion) to anyone, describing claims made by a radio guest as “false, reckless, and malicious.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, dismissed allegations attributed to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim, who had claimed during a radio programme that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq awarded an $800 million contract or empowerment project to his elder brother, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq, the Mutawali of Ilorin.
Olukoju described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and incite dissatisfaction, noting that no such contract was ever awarded by the state government.
“At no time did the government of Kwara State award a contract worth $800m. We are alarmed by the depth of recklessness that made Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim claim on radio that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth that amount to his elder brother,” the statement read. “This is false, baseless, and malicious.”
The Commissioner stressed that Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq is a respected senior lawyer and Bencher, not a contractor, adding that the state had never received any Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800 million, let alone awarded it to any individual.
The statement also expressed concern over the decision of the radio station, SBS 95.9FM, to allow its platform to be used for what the government termed “disinformation.”
“Particularly troubling is how a radio station allowed such unfounded claims without cautioning the guest or the anchor. Offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection carries immeasurable risks for any reputable media outlet and for public peace,” Olukoju said.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the government emphasized that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and without infringing on the rights of others.
The Kwara State Government has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. It added that private individuals maligned during the broadcast are within their rights to seek legal redress.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to transparency, responsible governance, and the protection of public interest.
