By: Elizabeth Atte
The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) concerning the management of the state’s Security Operations Account, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking credible evidence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the allegations were speculative and unsupported by any investigative findings or reports from competent authorities.
According to the government, CISLAC failed to provide evidence of wrongdoing and ignored the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity expected of organizations advocating transparency and accountability.
Fanwo stated that sustaining security operations requires significant investments in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance systems, operational mobility and support for security agencies.
He noted that Kogi State has consistently invested in strengthening its security architecture, resulting in improved intelligence capabilities, enhanced operational responses and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
The commissioner said these efforts have contributed to making Kogi one of the safest states in Nigeria despite its strategic location as a gateway between the northern and southern parts of the country.
The government also rejected suggestions that transactions from the Security Operations Account to contractors and service providers were suspicious, explaining that security operations depend on the services of logistics companies, equipment suppliers, maintenance contractors, transport operators and other support providers.
“It is irresponsible to equate the existence of financial transactions with evidence of diversion. Such conclusions can only be reached through investigation, verification and due process,” the statement said.
The government further argued that CISLAC contradicted itself by acknowledging that the allegations had not been proven by any anti-corruption agency while presenting them in a manner that suggested established wrongdoing.
Commenting on the timing of the publication, the government observed that political activities are gradually gaining momentum across the country and warned against attempts to use misinformation and unverified claims to undermine public institutions and government officials.
The statement maintained that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains focused on improving security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and investment promotion across the state.
It added that residents of Kogi State continue to witness the impact of government investments through enhanced security operations, increased investor confidence and expanding economic activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the government welcomed lawful scrutiny of public institutions and urged any individual or organisation with credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit such information to relevant law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
The Kogi State Government assured citizens that it would continue to support security agencies, strengthen its security framework and pursue policies aimed at guaranteeing peace, stability and sustainable development throughout the state.
