By Marvin Cato| HGP Nightly News |
— Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has broken his silence regarding a wave of corruption allegations leveled against him by Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed and the WIN (We Invest in Nationhood) party. Speaking on a weekend program, the Minister dismissed the claims as “outrightly baseless” and a desperate attempt to “stain his character.”
The allegations follow a pattern of intense scrutiny by the new opposition leadership of the financial affairs of high-ranking government officials.
The Core Allegations: Subsidies and Luxury Assets
The opposition’s claims against Minister Mustapha center on the alleged mismanagement of state funds and the sudden acquisition of high-value property.
- The $2.1 Billion Payout: Members of the WIN party have accused the Minister of “siphoning off millions” from a G$2.1 billion government payout intended as subsidies for rice and fish farmers.
- Unexplained Wealth: Allegations have also been made regarding the construction of multiple high-end houses and the purchase of several luxury vehicles, which the opposition claims were funded through corrupt dealings.
Minister Mustapha’s Defense: Transparency and Debt
In a blunt rebuttal, Minister Mustapha maintained that his lifestyle and assets are the result of honest earnings and traditional financing rather than illicit gains.
- Loan Documentation: Addressing claims about his real estate, the Minister stated he has the paperwork to prove that his homes were built with bank loans. “I have proof to show that I took a loan to build my house,” he asserted.
- Integrity Commission Compliance: Mustapha emphasized that he is a regular declarant, submitting his annual income and asset statements to the Integrity Commission as required by law.
- Open to Investigation: The Minister challenged his accusers, stating he is “open at any time for an investigation,” and maintained that he has nothing to hide from local or international authorities.
Characterizing the Attacks
Minister Mustapha labeled those making the allegations as “small-minded” individuals with “nothing positive to do.” He framed the attacks as a calculated political move to undermine the Ministry’s work during a period of significant agricultural expansion in Guyana.
“All my assets I have owned have been earned honestly… I have nothing to fear,” Minister Mustapha concluded.
