We are compelled to address the misleading and false accusations presented in the article titled “Monkey Dey Work, Bamboo Dey Chop: The Story Of The Financial Mishap Of The Kwara State Stadium Complex” by the faceless Gbenga Adeleye. The claims of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds by the Kwara State Sports Commission, led by Bola Magaji, are baseless.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that every payment collected from teams, organizations, and schools for the use of the Kwara State Stadium Complex has been duly remitted to the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) as required by law. There are receipts for each transaction, and these records are available for public scrutiny.
Clarifications on the Allegations:
Payments from Osun United and Ekiti United: The article falsely claims that 150,000 Naira from Osun United and 150,000 Naira from Ekiti United were mishandled. In reality, these payments were received, documented, and remitted to KWIRS with proper receipts issued.
Payments from NLO Teams: The 1 million Naira collected from ten NLO teams during the 2023/2024 season has also been properly accounted for and remitted to the appropriate government channel. Receipts are available to corroborate these transactions.
Funds from Schools: Additional funds collected from schools using the stadium for inter-house sports events have likewise been duly recorded and paid into the government’s coffers, with corresponding receipts provided.
The Kwara State Sports Commission, under the leadership of Bola Magaji, has always adhered to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Contrary to the claims made in the article, the Commission has consistently ensured that all revenues generated are remitted to KWIRS, the official revenue collection agency.
Constitutional and Legal Framework:
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 39, guarantees the right to freedom of expression and the press. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to avoid disseminating false information that can harm individuals and institutions. False accusations and libel are serious offenses under Nigerian law.
False Accusations and Libel: The Criminal Code Act, specifically Section 393, criminalizes defamatory publications, stating that any person who publishes any defamatory matter is liable to punishment. The penalty for libel can include imprisonment for up to two years.
Misinformation: Spreading false information with the intent to mislead or cause harm can also attract legal consequences. Under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message that is grossly offensive or false, using a computer system or network, is guilty of an offense and upon conviction is liable to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Given these provisions, the writer of the false article, Gbenga Adeleye, along with any sponsors who facilitated the dissemination of these misleading claims, should be held accountable. Their actions not only damage the reputation of the Kwara State Sports Commission but also undermine public trust in our institutions.
Call for Responsible Journalism:
The publication of such unfounded allegations without verifying the facts undermines the credibility of responsible journalism and harms the reputation of individuals and institutions dedicated to public service. We urge journalists and media houses to engage in thorough fact-checking and uphold the principles of accuracy and fairness.
The Kwara State Sports Commission is committed to transparency and proper management of public funds. We invite the State government, stakeholders, and the public to review the financial records and receipts that confirm all payments have been correctly remitted to KWIRS.
We remain dedicated to ensuring that the Kwara State Stadium Complex serves the best interests of the public and continues to be a beacon of sports excellence in the state. The people of Kwara State deserve truthful reporting and responsible stewardship of their public assets.
These are the above-mentioned receipts 👇
Signed:
Mallam Bola Mogaji
The executive chairman
Kwara State Sports Commission
