The Kogi State assembly has refuted 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, Femi Fanwo, said the allegations were speculative and unsupported by any investigative findings.
According to the government, CISLAC failed to provide evidence of wrongdoing and ignored the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity expected of organisations advocating transparency and accountability.
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Fanwo stated that sustaining security operations requires investments in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance systems, operational mobility and support for security agencies.
He said 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 made Kogi one of the safest states in Nigeria.
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, and healthcare, among others, across the state.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the government welcomed lawful scrutiny of public institutions from any individual or organisation with credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit such information to relevant law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for investigation.
