The Kwara State Government has dismissed claims that it awarded any contract to Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq, elder brother of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Mutawali of Ilorin.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, described as false, reckless, and mischievous a comment credited to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim alleging that the Governor awarded a contract worth $800 million (about N1.2 trillion) to his brother.

“At no time did the government of the state award a contract worth $800m,” the statement said. “We are alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim claim in a radio broadcast that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800m to his elder brother. This is false, baseless, and malicious.”

The government further noted that during the radio programme, neither Iliasu nor his associates mentioned any specific Federal Government project or programme allegedly awarded to Dr. Alimi. It stressed that Dr. Alimi, a respected senior lawyer and Bencher, “is not a contractor.”

The statement added that Kwara State had never received any Federal Government project or empowerment valued at $800 million, let alone awarded such to anyone.

The government also expressed concern over the radio station that aired the allegation, faulting its management for allowing the platform to be used to “peddle disinformation” without cautioning the guest or programme anchor.

“Whilst Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conduct long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection carries immeasurable risks for any reputable media platform and public peace,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its respect for freedom of expression but stressed the accompanying responsibility required to protect the public from misinformation.

“As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible, even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their rights to seek review,” it added.