Delta State Government has denied the allegation that the state was applying for a fresh loan of 120 billion Naira from a commercial bank.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, who to journalists in Asaba on Monday said the Delta State Government did not apply for a fresh loan but only changed the lead bank to enable the government to prosecute projects before the expiration of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilijie explained that there was a misconception about the loan adding that the previous lead bank’s reluctance to process the 100 Billion Naira loan made the Delta State Government change to another lead bank.
Sir Tilijie who was flanked by his counterpart in the Ministry of Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the State House of Assembly approval was required for the state Government to change the lead bank for the loan facilities.
The Finance Commissioner disclosed that the only New loan is an additional 20 Billion Naira which is meant for a Gas floating project to be sited in Warri.
He noted that the Gas project will generate employment as well as increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the State adding that the investment will be beneficial to Deltans.
Sir Tilijie, while assuring that the finances of the State were well managed, said election cannot halt the wheel of governance of the state.
According to him, the administration of Governor Okowa was poised to continue to execute people-oriented projects until the expiration of the tenure.
Speaking also, the state Commissioner of Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress APC, was spreading a lot of misconceptions to score a cheap political point in the forthcoming general elections.
Mr Aniagwu reiterated the administration’s desire to maintain accountability and transparency in line with the Governor’s mandate to serve the people of the state.
