Ibaji Progressive Youth Foundation (IBYF) has accused some political office holders of turning the vehicles meant to enhance the security of the people into personal use.
This was contained in a letter written by the group National President, Apeh Kelvin addressed to Governor Usman Ododo and head of Kogi state legislature dated 8th of May, 2024.
The group named the Council Chairman of the Ibaji Local Government, Uge Emmanuel Onuche, Secretary of the Ibaji Local Government, Okolo Victoria, and member Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Ibaji Constituency, Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, as guilty of illegal diversion of the security vehicles.
The letter added that the council chairman and the lawmaker were not using the vehicles for security purposes as intended by the Governor Usman Ododo-led state government.
The letter reads:
“I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of grave concern regarding the utilisation of vehicles designated for security purposes in Ibaji Local Government Area.
“As you may recall, your esteemed office graciously provided several vehicles/Motorcycles to the Ibaji Local Government for use as security vehicles/Motorcycles to enhance the safety and security of our community. Regrettably, it has come to my attention that these vehicles have been improperly converted to personal properties by the Caretaker Chairman of the Ibaji Local Government (Hon. Uge Emmanuel), Secretary of the Ibaji Local Government (Okolo Victoria), and member Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Ibaji Constituency (Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba).
“This misuse of public resources is deeply troubling and undermines the intended purpose of the vehicles, which were meant to bolster security efforts and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. Such actions not only betray the trust of the people but also jeopardize the safety and security of our community.
“As the National President of the Ibaji Progressive Youth Foundation, a registered anti-corruption organisation dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in our local government and Kogi State, I am deeply concerned about this egregious misappropriation of public assets.
“I implore Your Excellency to swiftly intervene in this matter and take appropriate steps to rectify the situation. It is imperative that the vehicles be retrieved from the individuals who have unlawfully appropriated them for personal use and returned to their intended purpose of serving the security needs of our community.
“Furthermore, I urge Your Excellency to institute measures to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure greater accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of public resources.
“I am confident that Your Excellency’s decisive action will not only rectify this unfortunate situation but also demonstrate your unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance in our beloved state.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I remain hopeful for a prompt and just resolution.”
