Civil Society Group Refutes Claims on Kogi LGAs’ Allocations, says call for LGA probe is calculated political propaganda
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO) has dismissed recent allegations that Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were not receiving their federal allocations.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Wisdom Ohalete, Convener of CCSO, said the claims were being circulated by “faceless groups who clearly do not mean well for Kogi and are out to blackmail the government of the state for cheap political gains.”
He added that the coalition conducted an independent investigation covering all 21 LGAs in the state.
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Their review included meetings with the Auditor General for Local Governments, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, council officials, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees.
“Our investigation was thorough, independent, and fact-driven,” Dr. Ohalete said.
He noted that the LGAs “have been receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Government. The records further show that the LGAs in the state enjoy full autonomy, in line with constitutional provisions and federal guidelines. There is zero interference by state government.”
CCSO also highlighted development projects across the state, including the construction of “at least 80 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) … in addition to ongoing renovation and upgrading of existing health facilities,” as well as youth training programs and women and youth empowerment initiatives.
Dr. Ohalete warned that the allegations were part of a planned smear campaign, saying, “This propaganda is part of a larger plan to blackmail the state government by sponsoring frivolous petitions to anti-corruption agencies, all geared towards giving Kogi State a bad name.”
The coalition urged the public and media to “disregard the false claims and continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening governance at all levels.”
