Kogi Youths Dismiss Claims Against Accountant-General

A Kogi State youth group has dismissed what it describes as “malicious and baseless” claims against the state’s Accountant-General, Dr. Habibat Onumoko.

The Kogi Progressives Youth for Good Governance, through its Secretary General, Adejoh Sylvester Ikani, vehemently defended Dr. Onumoko against accusations that she has overstepped her role and encroached on the responsibilities of other commissioners in a statement.

The statement asserts that Austin Usman Okai’s accusations are “nothing more than a fabricated, non-credible, and politically motivated piece of fiction.”

The group’s statement emphasised Dr. Onumoko’s critical role in ensuring effective financial management, transparency, and accountability within Kogi State.

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

The Kogi Progressives Youth for Good Governance insisted 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 also credits Dr Onumoko’s leadership with significant improvements in civil service welfare and financial reforms, including addressing issues related to salary and pension payments and preventing revenue leakages through the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system.

Referencing Governor Yahaya Bello’s previous administration, the group noted that Kogi State received three consecutive awards from the World Bank for transparency and accountability, directly resulting “from the diligence and expertise of the state’s financial team, which includes the Accountant-General, Auditor-General, and Commissioner for Finance.”

Addressing the allegations directly, the group declared, “It is ignorant and misleading for Okai to suggest that the Accountant-General is overstepping her boundaries.”

The statement clarified that her office is essential 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.

The group concluded by declaring, “Blackmail Will Not Stop Progress. Governance is about service, development, and commitment to the people—not name-calling and baseless accusations.”