From: Gyang Bere, Jos

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate state Governors on how they spent Paris Club funds recently released to them.

The 36 States of the Federation were recently assisted with the Paris Club funds.

Lalong said the President needed to also investigate how the governors spent bailout funds released for settlement of inherited salaries from previous administration for transparency and accountability.

Governor Lalong stated this, on Monday, during the swearing-in of new permanent secretaries, inauguration of chairmen and members of some commissions and Borads, held at Government House Rayfield Jos.

Said he, “I am happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated interest to investigate state governors on the Paris Club funds released recently. It is good for the President to investigate the governors to know how those monies were spent for the purpose of accountability.

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“I was told that N10 billion was released to Plateau State as part of bail-out, but since then I have not seen that money, I want the President to also investigate that money so that it will be release to us for the development of the state.”

Lalong caution the newly appointees against corruption and vowed to arrest, prosecute and jail any government appointee or civil servant who indulge in corruption.

“The person whose character is corrupted will no doubt deliver his services in a corrupt manner. This is not what we bargained for and for this, it is my expectation that your service in office as appointees, will reflect your personal integrity, the integrity of our Government and our party.

“This opportunity is not an opportunity for primitive accumulation of wealth; it is not a period for corrupt enrichment but a period of service. The Federal Government has given states power to prosecute corrupt officials even issues that can be handle by EFCC.”

The Governor said his administration would employ the carrot and stick approach in ensuring the delivery of quality services across all sector. “Where the carrot does not work, the stick would be deployed to ensure compliance with rules and regulation. We will not only bark but also bite, so if you cannot serve meritoriously, it will be more honourable to simply relinquish office.”