Group Demands Immediate Refund Of N13.4Billion Allegedly Diverted From State Coffers By Kogi Governor Ododo
According to the group, the projects include improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
A civil society group, the Nigeria Renaissance Group (NRG), has asked Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State to immediately refund the N13.4 billion he allegedly diverted from state coffers.
The group which made the demand on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, claimed that the funds, released by the Nigerian government in December 2024, were meant for developmental projects across 21 local government areas in the state.
According to the group, the projects include improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
The convener of the group, Mr. Austin Okai, while speaking at the press briefing called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate and recover the alleged diverted funds.
He said that rather than use the funds for what it was meant for, “what we now see in Kogi state is continuation of corruption and impunity similar to the pattern established by the former governor who is on trial now, Alhaji Yahaya Bello”.
He continued, “We cannot and we will not stand by while our resources are looted with no regards for transparency or accountability in Kogi state.
“Kogi state deserves better, the people of Kogi state deserve leadership that prioritises public service over personal enrichment.
“We demand immediate return of the diverted funds. We demand that Governor Usman Ododo immediately return the N13.4 billion to the state treasury so that it can be used for the purpose it was released for.
“We demand intervention by the Attorney General and anti-corruption agency. We call on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take decisive action to recover this money and bring all those involved in this corruption to justice.”
Okai warned that failure to act swiftly would encourage further financial mismanagement in the state.
The group further demanded thorough investigation into financial mismanagement in Kogi State, noting that the state has a troubled history of financial misconduct under the leadership of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Okai said, “Now his successor Usman Ododo appears to be following the same corrupt path.”
The group described the alleged diversion as “a betrayal of public trust” and a setback to Kogi’s development, stressing, “Instead of progress, we are witnessing the continuation of corruption and impunity.”
The NRG, therefore, demanded a forensic audit of Kogi State’s finances and an independent investigation into all government transactions involving public funds, saying, “We cannot allow Kogi’s resources to be looted while the people suffer.”
Okai, who also criticised what he termed the “cycle of political godfatherism” in the state, noted that it perpetuates corruption and hinders development.
