The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) regarding the alleged diversion of funds from the state's Security Operations Account, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking any credible evidence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the publication by CISLAC failed to uphold the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity, noting that no investigation report or finding by any competent authority had established any wrongdoing against the state government.
Fanwo maintained that security operations require substantial financial commitments and involve investments in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance, operational mobility and community engagement.
According to him, Kogi State has consistently invested in strengthening its security architecture, resulting in improved intelligence gathering, enhanced collaboration among security agencies and increased operational efficiency.
He said the state's strategic position as the gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria makes sustained investment in security imperative, adding that such efforts have contributed to making Kogi one of the safest states in the country.
The commissioner faulted attempts to portray payments from the Security Operations Account to contractors and service providers as suspicious, explaining that security interventions often require the engagement of logistics providers, equipment suppliers, maintenance contractors, transport operators and consultants.
"It is irresponsible to equate the existence of financial transactions with evidence of diversion. Such a conclusion can only be reached through investigation, verification and due process, not through speculation, assumptions and sensational headlines," he stated.
Fanwo noted that even the publication acknowledged that the allegations remained unproven and that no anti-corruption agency had established any wrongdoing against the government, describing the contradiction as evidence of the weakness of the narrative being promoted.
He also suggested that the timing of the allegations coincided with the build-up to political activities, a period he said is often characterised by attempts to use misinformation and manufactured controversies to undermine governments and public officials.
While declining to speculate on the sponsors or motives behind the publication, the commissioner said some individuals were uncomfortable with a system that prioritises transparency, fairness and due process over personal interests.
He stressed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had continued to record progress in security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and investment promotion, insisting that public resources were being deployed to improve the lives of citizens and strengthen public institutions.
Fanwo said residents of the state could attest to the improved operational capacity of security agencies, growing investor confidence and expanding economic activities across communities, adding that such realities could not be erased by what he described as politically timed allegations.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that any individual or organisation with credible evidence of wrongdoing should present such evidence to appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that the commissioner assured that the Ododo administration would remain focused on prudent management of public resources, strengthening security architecture and protecting lives and property across the state.
"Kogi State will continue to invest in security, support security agencies and deepen partnerships that guarantee peace, stability and sustainable development. Our focus remains service to the people, and our commitment remains unwavering," he said.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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