The Kogi State Government has denied accusations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of diverting state funds, calling the charges “ridiculous” and “laughable.” In a statement signed by Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government accused the EFCC of being “infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of ‘Mr. President’ to defeat corruption in Nigeria.”
The EFCC, in an amended charge, accused former Governor Yahaya Bello of diverting N80 billion of state funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed office. The Kogi government argues that this is impossible, as Bello was not yet in a position to access or misappropriate state funds at that time.
“The journey did not begin today,” Fanwo said, referring to previous accusations by the EFCC against the Kogi government that were later proven false. He accused the commission of using “rogue news platforms” to spread misinformation and employing “hired gun” tactics to target political opponents.
The statement further claims the EFCC is working with “criminals masquerading as politicians” to tarnish Bello’s image for “selfish reasons.” It demands an apology from the EFCC chairman and calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and “save the integrity of the EFCC.”
The Kogi government maintains its commitment to transparency and accountability, claiming to have been recognized both locally and internationally for its efforts. It assures its citizens that they “will never lose a just battle” and urges them to remain calm despite the “relentless provocation” by the EFCC.
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