The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, has expressed anger over the alleged massive diversion of fertilizers provided by the Federal Government to farmers in Toto Local Government Area of the state.
During a distribution exercise on Monday in Toto, attended by government officials and some beneficiaries, Akabe revealed that a total of 1,200 bags of fertilizer (NPK and Urea products) were delivered to the area.
However, only less than 500 bags were accounted for at the distribution site.
“The fertilizers here are not up to 500 bags. 1,200 bags were delivered to the area for distribution to farmers.
“Beneficiaries are entitled to a bag each at zero cost,” Akabe stated.
He expressed shock over the discrepancy and urged public officeholders not to betray the trust reposed in them, stating, “What belongs to the people should be given to the people.”
The Deputy Governor then ordered the police to arrest Councilors to account for the missing items, adding that the state government has written to the Commissioner of Police to investigate the alleged diversion of fertilizers supplied to Doma, Karu, and Toto areas of Nasarawa State.
This investigation, outlined in a letter signed by the state’s Attorney-General, Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, has been described as a “serious matter that requires immediate attention to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”