Misinformation, Propaganda Will Not Derail Kogi Progress – Group

LAGOS – A Kogi State youth group has condemned recent “malicious and baseless” publications circulating on social media, accusing Austin Usman Okai, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, of spreading misinformation aimed at undermining the state government’s progress.

The Kogi Progressives Youth for Good Governance, in a statement released by Secretary-General Adejoh Sylvester Ikani, specifically addressed claims made by Okai alleging that the Kogi State Accountant-General, Dr. Habibat Onumoko, is overstepping her boundaries and interfering with the duties of other commissioners.

The group dismissed Okai’s accusations as “nothing more than a fabricated, non-credible, and politically motivated piece of fiction.”

They reiterated that all commissioners in Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration remain fully in charge of their respective ministries and are actively discharging their duties with credibility and effectiveness.

The statement emphasized the crucial role of the Accountant-General in ensuring effective financial management, transparency, and accountability within Kogi State.

“The Accountant-General is the chief financial officer of the state, responsible for overseeing the state’s financial operations, treasury management, and financial reporting,” it stated.

Dr. Onumoko’s leadership was credited with fortifying Kogi State’s financial system against mismanagement, fraud, and irregularities.

The group highlighted her efforts to promote fiscal discipline and ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of the people, under the directive of Governor Ododo.

The Kogi Progressives Youth also pointed to the Ododo administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, economic growth, and human capital advancement.

According to them, the government’s achievements are visible across all sectors, leaving no room for what they described as baseless criticism.

Referencing the previous administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, the group noted that Kogi State received three consecutive awards from the World Bank for transparency and accountability.

They attributed this success to the diligence and expertise of the state’s financial team, including the Accountant-General, Auditor-General, and Commissioner for Finance.

The group clarified that the Accountant-General plays an essential role in budget implementation and financial oversight, ensuring that public spending aligns with approved budgetary allocations and that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) receive their funds transparently and efficiently.

They also highlighted the importance of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in preventing revenue leakages.

“One of the biggest challenges in public sector finance is the issue of ghost workers and payroll fraud.

“However, under Dr. Onumoko’s leadership: The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has been effectively managed to eliminate fraudulent salary payments.

“Following the footsteps of Ododo’s predecessor, Government employees at both state and local government levels now receive their salaries on time and in full, ensuring motivation and productivity in the civil service.

“This commitment to efficiency and accountability contradicts Okai’s false narrative of financial mismanagement.

“The administration of Governor Ododo is too focused on governance and development to be distracted by baseless attacks. Under his leadership, Kogi State has recorded tremendous progress across all sectors.

“Eminent personalities, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, have testified to the remarkable strides made by the administration within just one year in office. The government’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructural development, and social welfare remains steadfast.

“For someone like Okai, who operates in double negatives, it is important to remind him that his campaign of misinformation, blackmail, and baseless propaganda will not derail the administration’s focus on progress,” the group stated.

The Kogi Progressives Youth for Good Governance concluded by reaffirming their support for Dr. Onumoko and the Ododo-led administration.

They declared that “Misinformation and Propaganda Will Not Derail Kogi’s Progress” and reiterated their commitment to building a better Kogi State for all.