The Kogi Indigenous Progressive Union has described the Accountant General of Kogi State, Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko, as extravagant and accused her of wasting taxpayers’ money on unnecessary tours.
In a statement signed by Mallam Ibrahim Audu, the group criticized the Accountant General’s recent visits to various local government areas, describing the tours as poorly planned and indicative of her perceived immunity from supervision by Governor Ahmed Ododo.
According to the statement, “Dr. Onumoko toured Olamaboro last week, then Dekina, followed by Kogi West after recently visiting Kogi East local government areas—all without any tangible outcomes.”
“The hungry citizens are being lined up from morning till evening, forced to sing praises and clap for the Accountant General in the name of state tours,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that she has indirectly begun campaigning for the re-election of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, a move they said contravenes the Electoral Act, breaches constitutional and statutory provisions, and violates international standards that prohibit premature electioneering.
The statement emphasized:
“Early election campaigns adversely affect economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.
“As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to publish the timetable and schedule of election activities, early campaigns contravene the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), the Electoral Act, and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”
The group urged Governor Ahmed Ododo to caution his Accountant General and prevent Kogi State from being reduced to a family affair where personal relationships override the rule of law.
Moreover, the union criticized local government chairmen and commissioners who, according to the group, collected contact lists from residents under the guise of mobilization, urging them to act responsibly.
The statement concluded that holding local government positions does not give them license to behave as if they are permanent local chiefs.
