In 2021, World Bank Wrote To Appreciate Yahaya Bello On Return Of $4.6 Million

Amidst the the ongoing EFCC saga and media onslaught against the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, a viral letter shows how the former Governor returned surplus funds to the world bank, to the tune of 4.6million US Dollars.

This amongst other reasons earned the former governor accolades allowing other states opportunities to benefit.

Recall the world bank had on numerous occasions awarded Kogi as number one in multiple awards for transparency and fiscal responsibility.

The question now is, if the governor was this transparent with public funds, what then must have resulted in EFCC’s pursuit and media trial, leaving out other governors who have been previously accused? The personal focus and attack on Yahaya Bello may have a political undertone and an agenda yet to he revealed.

Read the letter the World Bank wrote him below;

July 14 2021
His Excellency
Mr. Yahaya Adoza Bello
Exccutive Governor of Kogi State
Office of the Governor
Government House
Lokoja, Kogi State

Your Excellency,
LETTER OF APPRECIATION: REFUND OF SURPLUS PROJECT FUNDS TO THE WORLD BANK UNDER THE NIGERIA EROSION AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT (NEWMAP) (ID A Credits: 62770, 62780)

I am writing to convey my sincere appreciation for the transfer to Plateau State of the surplus project funds, amounting to USD 4.63 million, that was available in the State’s NEWMAP Designated Account.

This action was made possible by your Excellency’s leadership, and its timeliness helped the Bank’s decision to extend the closing date of the project from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

The returned surplus funds will ensure that other States facing a deficit of funds are able to complete their civil works, while Kogi state focuses on completing its approved ongoing works.

We look forward to your continued leadership in following up on the progress and completion of such works. We trust the project can be brought to an orderly closure in your state, while achieving its intended objective and contributing to transforming lives and alleviating poverty.

We also take this opportunity to request that you kindly also expedite the issuance of a required Letter of Comfort assuring the Bank that the state will deploy the necessary funds for completion of any works that may exceed the extended period of the project.
We have attached
the template for ease of reference.

Allow me to thank your Excellency once again, for your continuous support to NEWMAP activities in Kogi State.
Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.

Sincerely,
Shubhamn Chaudhuri
Country Director, Nigeria
Western and Central Africa Region