The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) that funds were diverted from the state’s Security Operations Account, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking credible evidence.
The government argued that the allegations were unsupported by any findings from a competent authority and said the publication failed to meet basic standards of fairness, diligence and objectivity.
This position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who maintained that neither an investigation report nor verified evidence had been presented to substantiate the claims.
According to the statement, security operations require significant investment in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance systems, operational mobility and collaboration with security agencies, all of which are critical to safeguarding lives and property.
The government stated that Kogi State has over the years committed substantial resources to strengthening its security architecture, resulting in improved intelligence gathering, enhanced operational response and stronger synergy among security agencies operating in the state.
It further argued that payments made to contractors, service providers and logistics companies in support of security operations should not be interpreted as suspicious transactions, noting that such engagements are necessary for the effective implementation of security interventions.
The statement maintained that the existence of financial transactions does not in itself amount to evidence of fund diversion, stressing that any allegation of wrongdoing must be established through proper investigation, verification and due process.
It also noted that CISLAC acknowledged in its publication that the allegations remained unproven and that no anti-corruption agency had established wrongdoing against the Kogi State Government, accusing the organisation of presenting unverified claims in a manner that suggested they had already been proven.
The government further suggested that the publication coincided with increasing political activities ahead of future elections, alleging that certain individuals may be attempting to advance political interests through misinformation and manufactured controversies.
Defending the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo, the state said notable progress had been recorded in security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and investment promotion, adding that public resources have been deployed to improve citizens’ welfare and strengthen public institutions.
According to the government, residents have continued to witness the impact of security investments through improved operational capacity among security agencies, increased investor confidence and the expansion of economic activities across the state.
While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the government challenged any individual or organisation in possession of credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit such information to relevant law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
The government further stated that Ododo administration would remain focused on strengthening security, protecting lives and property, and advancing sustainable development across the state despite what it described as politically motivated distractions.