Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has ordered the suspension of government officials named in the alleged extortion of farmers through the unauthorised sale of registration forms.
A statement on Wednesday by the governor’s media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the government did not approve the sale of forms to register farmers, and so found it strange that some officials could do such to poor farmers.
The statement reads: “…neither the governor nor Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development approved the sale of forms to anyone, including farmers, in the guise of whatever scheme or census for farmers.
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“Preliminary in-house findings have been made, and they suggested clear wrongdoings. The Head of Service has been directed to suspend the affected officials, including the permanent secretary of the ministry. This is to send the signal that such misconduct will not be condoned by the governor.
“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable. The government will ensure the victims get a refund of their money after presenting the forms they purchased. The government regrets this embarrassing behaviour of its officials and apologises to the affected farmers.”
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