By Our Reporter
The crisis rocking the Kogi State chapter of the Nigerian Legion has taken a dramatic new turn as newly elected chairman, MW Elijah Akindele, released a full set of official handover documents showing that only basic office furniture and sundry items were transferred to him—with zero financial records, no bank statements, no vehicle, and no trace of the ₦30 million donation the organization reportedly received.
The documents, signed by outgoing chairman Mr. David Salawu, span three pages and cover inventories from the Chairman’s Office, Vice Chairman’s Office, Secretary’s Office, and Treasurer’s Office. But across all pages, a singular pattern emerges: the absence of every known financial document expected in a formal handover.
A Handover of Chairs, Tables, Fans — and Nothing More
Standing before journalists at the Legion’s state secretariat in Lokoja, Akindele laid out the pages one after another. The inventories, neatly typed but shockingly sparse, list only items such as chairs, tables, ceiling fans, clocks, and a handful of files.
“These are the documents he signed and handed over to me,” Akindele said, holding up the pages.
“After eight years in office, this is all we got—chairs, fans, and empty drawers. Not a single financial statement.”
What the New Page Reveals
The latest page released contains two sections:
- Chairman’s Office Inventory
Items listed include:
1 executive table, 2 executive chairs, 3 double-seat cushion chairs, 1 steel cupboard, 2 attached drawers, 1 ceiling fan, 1 wall clock, 22 files, 10 receipt booklets and 1 Constitution book.
- Vice Chairman’s Office Inventory
Items listed include:
1 table, 2 single cushion chairs, 1 executive chair, 1 12-inch television, 1 wall clock and 1 ceiling fan.
Earlier pages list similar basic items for the Secretary and Treasurer’s offices—along with 40 pairs of parade uniforms.
Across the entire handover packet, no financial ledger, no asset register, no bank statement, and no cash record appears anywhere.
Missing ₦30 Million Donation and a Disappearing Vehicle
Beyond the bare furniture lists, the documents raise deeper questions about the Legion’s financial stewardship under the former administration.
Akindele reiterated that there is no trace of the ₦30 million donation former Governor Yahaya Bello allegedly gave to the Legion.
“There is no mention of the thirty million naira anywhere,” he said.
“The treasury is empty. No receipts, no vouchers, no bank records—nothing.”
Magajiya Jumai, who oversees widows’ welfare, echoed her concerns and accused the former chairman of auctioning the only Legion vehicle to himself while attempting to remain in office to continue benefiting from revenue from the annual Nigeria Legion Emblem launch.
Members Say They Saw Warning Signs
Some long-standing members told this reporter that the emptiness of the handover documents did not shock them.
“For eight years, we never saw a statement of account,” one senior member said.
“We kept asking for transparency, and we were told the accounts were being compiled.”
Another member said the seized vehicle was originally donated to assist widows and veterans during welfare outreach.
Former Chairman Keeps Silent
Attempts to reach former chairman Mr. David Salawu for comment were unsuccessful. When approached in his office, he declined to speak to reporters.
New Chairman Promises Audit and Transparency
Akindele said the Legion must begin a new chapter—one built on openness and accountability.
“We will restore transparency and rebuild trust,” he vowed.
“An independent audit will be launched immediately to uncover the true financial state of the Nigerian Legion in Kogi State.”
As the controversy widens, veterans and widows are watching closely, hoping the investigation will finally reveal how the organization’s funds, assets, and donations were handled over the past eight years.
