Kogi State Freezes Government Accounts Amid Allegations of Fund Mismanagement

The Kogi State Government has taken a drastic step by ordering the immediate freeze of all state and local government accounts, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, on Thursday. The directive prohibits any form of payment from the government accounts until further notice.

The statement further declared the cancellation of all standing orders and investment instructions, emphasizing the need for financial accountability and responsible use of public funds. Commissioner Idris expressed dissatisfaction with the utilization of mobilization funds allocated for providing transportation and logistics during elections, stating that despite the funds provided, there was a failure to deliver, and the mobilization funds allegedly ended up in private pockets.

To address the concerns of fund mismanagement, the governor issued a questionnaire to all 21 local government chairmen, demanding their responses. This move signals a broader effort to investigate and rectify financial irregularities within the local government structures.

The decision to freeze government accounts reflects the seriousness of the state government in ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of public funds. It is expected that the directive will prompt a thorough examination of financial practices and lead to corrective measures to prevent further mismanagement. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders and the public will be keenly watching for updates on the state government's efforts to address these financial issues.