The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) that funds from the state’s Security Operations Account were diverted, describing the claims as politically motivated, speculative, and unsupported by evidence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the government was responding to the allegations to clarify the facts and reassure residents of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
Fanwo maintained that CISLAC failed to provide any investigative report, documented evidence, or findings from a competent authority to support its claims.
He noted that effective security management requires sustained investment in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance systems, operational mobility, community engagement, and support for security agencies.
According to the commissioner, the state government has consistently invested in strengthening Kogi’s security architecture, resulting in improved intelligence capabilities, enhanced operational response, and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
The government also dismissed suggestions that transactions involving companies and service providers linked to security operations were suspicious.
It explained that security interventions often involve equipment suppliers, logistics providers, transport operators, maintenance contractors, consultants, and other support service providers necessary for effective operations.
“It is irresponsible to equate the existence of financial transactions with evidence of diversion,” the statement said, stressing that such conclusions can only be established through proper investigation, verification, and due process.
The administration further pointed to what it described as contradictions in CISLAC’s publication, noting that the organisation acknowledged that the allegations remained unproven and that no anti-corruption agency had established wrongdoing against the state government.
Fanwo suggested that the timing of the publication coincided with growing political activities ahead of future elections, a period he said is often characterised by attempts to spread misinformation and create controversies aimed at undermining public institutions and officials.
While refraining from identifying those behind the allegations, the government argued that some individuals uncomfortable with transparency, fairness, and due process may be seeking to divert attention from the achievements recorded under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration.
The statement highlighted progress in security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and investment promotion, insisting that public resources are being deployed to improve citizens’ welfare and strengthen state institutions.
According to the government, residents have witnessed the benefits of security investments through improved operational capacity of security agencies, increased investor confidence, safer communities, and expanding economic activities across the state.
The administration reaffirmed its support for lawful scrutiny of public institutions and challenged any individual or organisation with credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit such information to relevant law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
Fanwo reiterated that the Ododo administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through sustained investments in security and strategic partnerships with security agencies.
He added that the government would continue to strengthen the state’s security framework to ensure peace, stability, and sustainable development across Kogi State.
