The attention of the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, has been drawn to several social media discussions and allegations linking the Chairman to the detention of one Ayomide by law enforcement authorities. In view of the numerous misconceptions and misinformation circulating in the public space, it has become necessary to clarify the situation for the general public.
To set the record straight, on 16th January this year, the Office of the Executive Chairman was alerted to a social media publication alleging that the Chairman and the Ijumu Local Government administration were involved in the mismanagement of funds, unlawful withholding of the salaries of appointees and local government staff, and acts aimed at forcing a one-party political system in the area.
The said document, which was circulated on the Okun Voice Group, was purportedly issued on the letterhead of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) National Secretariat, dated 12th January, with the address listed as Plot 2652, No. 20 Yedseram Street, Abuja A6, Maitama.
The document was allegedly signed by the Acting Director-General, Barr. (Mrs.) Evan Enekwe, Esq., and copied to the Presidency, the EFCC, the Kogi State Accountant-General, and the Treasurer of Ijumu Local Government.
Following the discovery of the document, the Ijumu Local Government management promptly reached out to the ALGON National Secretariat through its Chief of Staff. However the Secretariat categorically stated that the document was falsified and did not emanate from ALGON.
In further clarification, ALGON issued an official disclaimer on the same day, clearly dissociating the association from the document and stating that it had not authorized anyone, including the Acting Director-General, to issue such communication regarding the Chairman or the administration of Ijumu Local Government.
The disclaimer further emphasized that the allegations contained in the document do not represent the position or views of ALGON concerning the Executive Chairman or his office. *It also expressed the association’s readiness to ensure that those responsible for the falsification are brought to justice.*
Consequently, an official report was made to the relevant law enforcement authorities, and an investigation commenced.
This led to the aprehension of the said Ayomide, who reportedly confessed to publishing the document. During interrogation, Ayomide stated that he obtained the document from certain individuals through Olusegun Mobayode Felix, whose Facebook name is Lod Mobayode Felix, and that he was contacted to facilitate its publication.
The law enforcement agency has since transferred the case to the appropriate investigative unit, where further inquiries are ongoing to identify and apprehend the originators and accomplices involved in the falsification and circulation of the document.
We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government or the Local Government Administration does not have the authority to detain or release any individual under investigation by law enforcement agencies. Such decisions lie strictly within the jurisdiction of the relevant security agencies in line with established legal procedures.
We therefore urge members of the public to desist from unnecessary name-calling, misinformation, and unfounded allegations, particularly on social media, suggesting that the Executive Chairman is responsible for the continued detention of Ayomide.
For individuals or groups genuinely interested in assisting the said Ayomide, we advise that they approach the appropriate law enforcement authorities handling the case to explore lawful and appropriate avenues, rather than spreading misinformation in the public domain.
The administration of Ijumu Local Government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the integrity of the Office of the Executive Chairman. Any act or publication intended to deliberately malign or demean the office and the administration will not be condoned.
Signed:
Hon. Atittebi Benjamin
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity
Office of the Executive Chairman
Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State.
