Emmanuel lkpeama.
The Kogi State Government has strongly rejected allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) concerning the management of the state’s Security Operations Account, describing the report as misleading, politically motivated and unsupported by any credible evidence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the organisation failed to uphold the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity by making sweeping allegations without presenting verifiable facts, investigative findings or reports from any recognised anti-corruption agency.
The government expressed concern that an organisation known for advocating accountability would publicise serious allegations while admitting that no anti-corruption body has established any wrongdoing against the state government.
According to Fanwo, safeguarding lives and property requires significant and sustained investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, communications infrastructure, operational logistics, mobility support and strategic partnerships with security agencies.
He noted that Kogi State has consistently invested in strengthening its security architecture, leading to improved intelligence operations, faster response mechanisms and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
These efforts, he said, have contributed significantly to making Kogi one of the safest states in the country despite its strategic position as a gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
The government also faulted attempts to portray transactions involving security contractors and service providers as suspicious, explaining that effective security operations necessarily involve the engagement of logistics firms, equipment suppliers, transport operators, maintenance contractors and other specialised service providers.
“It is irresponsible to equate routine financial transactions with evidence of diversion or misconduct.
Such conclusions must be based on thorough investigations, verifiable evidence and due process, not assumptions and sensational narratives,” the statement said.
Hon Fanwo further argued that CISLAC’s position appeared contradictory, noting that while the organisation acknowledged that its allegations remained unproven, it simultaneously presented them in a manner that suggested established facts.
The government also questioned the timing of the publication, observing that it coincides with a period of increasing political activities across the country.
According to the statement, such periods often witness deliberate attempts by vested interests to deploy misinformation, half-truths and manufactured controversies to undermine public officials and institutions.
While refraining from identifying any sponsors behind the report, the government maintained that some individuals are uncomfortable with a system that prioritises transparency, fairness and due process over personal and political interests.
The administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo highlighted its achievements in security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and investment promotion, insisting that public resources are being prudently managed to improve the welfare of citizens and strengthen public institutions.
According to the government, the people of Kogi State remain the strongest testimony to the impact of security investments through improved operational capacity among security agencies, growing investor confidence and expanding economic activities across the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the government welcomed lawful scrutiny of public institutions and challenged any individual or organisation with credible evidence of wrongdoing to submit such evidence to the appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.
The statement assured residents that the Ododo administration remains focused on prudent resource management, strengthening security structures and protecting lives and property across the state.
It added that no amount of misinformation, speculation or politically motivated distractions would deter the government from its commitment to supporting security agencies, preserving peace and advancing sustainable development throughout Kogi State.