Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, has faulted article by Bolaji Akinyemi, alleging that the state withheld money donated by wife of the president Oluremi Tinubu.
Our correspondent reports that the money allegedly misappropriated was given to Persons With Disabilities in the state.
Ashoms made this disclosure in a letter he personally signed titled; Setting the record straight: A response to misleading allegations by one Bolaji Akinyemi.
The letter partly read, “I am writing to express my strong disagreement with the false allegations made against our state by one Bolaji Akinyemi. The claims of withholding funds from beneficiaries are entirely unfounded and contradicted by documentary evidence.
“The article made serious allegations against our state falsely claiming that we withheld funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons donated by Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu. We take these accusations seriously and would like to set the record straight.
“Transparency was a priority, as names were published, and beneficiaries had to open bank accounts for direct deposits. This process was completed over a year ago, putting the issue to rest. Names were forwarded in trust but when it was observed that politically exposed persons also had their names on the list, the Governor advised that the direct beneficiaries be taken to banks an open accounts in their own name and the monies deposited there in. Where did this Bolaji fabricate his cork and bull story from?”
Ashoms continued saying “Where was Bolaji and his co-travellers when the Governor His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang mobilised tractors to cultivate 900 hectares for our displaced people in 2023, is Bolaji and his cohorts feigning ignorance of the 6000 hectares of land that was cultivated for our people pro bono in 2024?
“It’s possible that there are underlying motivations or agendas at play. Smear campaigns often involve spreading false or misleading information to damage someone’s reputation, the writer should know that Plateau people trust Governor Mutfwang unreservedly, these kind of malicious texts are too tiny to tamper with that.”
While decrying Bolaji’s motivations, he explained that what triggered these bad examples may be an attempt to seek to advance an interests or position.
“Political agendas: Are there underlying political motivations or alliances driving the smear campaign?
“Misinformation: Is Bolaji spreading false information or taking facts out of context?,” the letter added.
According to the commissioner investigating the rebagging of grains and related palliative measures may uncover more information about the situation, expressing disappointment in the article.
Ashoms said, “However, it’s crucial to verify information through credible sources to avoid perpetuating misinformation. The only rebagging that happens with the authorisation of government is for more coverage (from 50kg to 25kg) as the people in dire need are in their numbers.
“If Bolaji feels compelled to advice the Minister of Disaster and Humanitarian Affairs, he’s free to do so not to nichodemusely fabricate falsehood.
“We are disappointed by the article’s reliance on unsubstantiated claims and misquotes. Our commitment to transparency and accountability remains unwavering. We invite the public to review our records and witness the positive impact of our work.”
