The Kogi State House of Assembly has strongly rejected allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) concerning the management of security-related funds in the state, describing the claims as “unfounded and misleading.”
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed, the Assembly said the insinuations of legislative failure in oversight responsibilities do not reflect the realities on the ground under the Eighth Assembly.
“The allegations and insinuations regarding legislative failure in the discharge of oversight responsibilities are unfounded, misleading, and do not reflect the realities of the robust oversight mechanisms currently being implemented,” the statement read.
Assembly Points to Oversight Record Under Speaker Yusuf
The House said that under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, it has maintained a consistent record of transparency and accountability through regular oversight of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
According to the statement, House committees have been routinely engaging relevant institutions “in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, ensuring that public resources are deployed in accordance with established laws and procedures.”
The Assembly also stressed that its oversight activities are guided strictly by due process, verifiable evidence and established facts — not by media reports, speculation, or unverified allegations.
House Defers to Anti-Corruption Agencies on Investigation
On the substance of CISLAC’s allegations, the Assembly did not directly address or deny the specific claims raised by the civil society group. Instead, it maintained that the allegations remain unproven and called on relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations without interference.
“It is only after the conclusion of such investigations that informed conclusions can be reached,” the statement noted, adding that the Assembly possesses the constitutional authority to take “appropriate action within the ambit of the law” should legislative intervention become necessary.
Assembly Rejects Narrative of Inactivity
The House took particular exception to what it described as an attempt to portray the Assembly as inactive or negligent. It said the current legislature has, since its inauguration, built a strong record of “legislative scrutiny, budget monitoring, committee engagements, and accountability reviews.”
While affirming its willingness to work with civil society organisations in promoting transparency and accountability, the Assembly set clear conditions for such engagement, stating that it “must be based on facts, objectivity, and respect for constitutional institutions.”
Public Urged to Await Proper Investigation
The Assembly concluded by urging residents of Kogi State to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions based on allegations that have not yet been subjected to formal investigation by the appropriate authorities.
CISLAC, a prominent Abuja-based civil society organisation that monitors legislative performance and public finance governance across Nigeria’s states, had raised concerns about the oversight of security funds in Kogi State. The group has not yet publicly responded to the Assembly’s rebuttal.
