05/06/2026
ADC GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT, DR. MK KPAUTAGI, BLASTS NIGER ASSEMBLY OVER APPROVAL OF $14.4 MILLION NIGER FOODS LOAN.
Governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Niger State, Dr. MK Kpautagi, has strongly condemned the Niger State House of Assembly for approving the reported $14.4 million loan for Niger Foods, describing the action as a shameful abdication of responsibility and a betrayal of the people of Niger State.
According to Dr. Kpautagi, the primary duty of any lawmakers is to protect the interests of citizens through rigorous oversight, accountability, and prudent management of public resources and not to serve as a rubber stamp for every borrowing request brought before them by the executive.
He questioned how legislators could approve yet another loan when the state is already grappling with crippling insecurity, widespread poverty, massive youth unemployment, failing healthcare facilities, collapsing educational standards, and deplorable road networks.
Dr Kputagi quarrels "Is the Assembly Still Working for the People?"
He expressed deep concern that nearly three years into its tenure, the current Assembly has failed to demonstrate the independence, courage, and vigilance expected of a legislature in a democratic society.
He accused the lawmakers of abandoning their constitutional duty and becoming mere spectators while the state sinks deeper into economic hardship and debt.
The people elected these lawmakers to be watchdogs, not lapdogs. Their responsibility is to ask tough questions, challenge questionable decisions, and ensure that every kobo borrowed in the name of the people delivers measurable value. Instead, what we are witnessing is an Assembly that appears more interested in approving loans than protecting citizens."
Where was the rigorous debate? Where was the due diligence? Where was the concern for the future generations who will be saddled with the burden of repaying these debts?"
Serious Questions Must Be Answered
While acknowledging the importance of agriculture to the state's economy, Dr. Kpautagi insisted that no responsible legislature should approve a financial commitment of this magnitude without full transparency and convincing evidence that it will genuinely benefit the people.
He challenged the Assembly to publicly explain why this loan was approved, what safeguards are in place to ensure accountability, and how the investment will directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerlites.
"Niger State cannot continue borrowing its way into prosperity while basic services remain in ruins. The people deserve answers. They deserve accountability. And they deserve a legislature that stands with them, not one that blindly endorses every request from the executive.
Dr. Kpautagi warned that history would judge both the executive and the Assembly for decisions that mortgage the future of Niger State without delivering tangible improvements to the lives of its citizens.
