The Kogi State House of Assembly has strongly pushed back against allegations levelled by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) concerning the management of funds linked to security operations in the state, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.
In an official statement issued by the Assembly, the legislature maintained that the allegations “do not reflect the realities of the robust oversight mechanisms currently being implemented by the Eighth Assembly.”
The Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said it has consistently upheld transparency and accountability through regular oversight activities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
According to the statement, committees of the House “routinely engage relevant institutions in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, ensuring that public resources are deployed in accordance with established laws and procedures.”
Firmly rejecting insinuations of legislative negligence, the Assembly stressed that its oversight duties are guided strictly by due process, facts, and verifiable evidence — not speculation or media reports.
The House made clear that where issues requiring legislative attention arise, it “possesses the constitutional authority and institutional capacity to take appropriate action within the ambit of the law.”
On the CISLAC allegations specifically, the Assembly called for restraint, noting that the claims remain unproven and should be handled by the appropriate authorities.
“The appropriate anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies vested with investigative powers under the law should be allowed to carry out their responsibilities professionally and without prejudice,” the statement read, adding that conclusions should only be drawn after thorough investigation.
The House also highlighted its track record since inauguration, pointing to what it described as a strong record of legislative scrutiny, budget monitoring, committee engagements, and accountability reviews. These efforts, it said, are aimed at “promoting efficient service delivery and safeguarding the interests of the people of Kogi State,” countering any narrative that the Assembly has been passive or inactive.
Despite its sharp response, the Assembly expressed openness to collaboration with civil society organisations, including CISLAC, in advancing good governance.
It however set a condition, stating that “such engagements must be based on facts, objectivity, and respect for constitutional institutions” a pointed message to advocacy groups it believes crossed a line with their recent public statements.
The Assembly concluded by urging the public to remain calm and avoid drawing premature conclusions from unverified allegations.
“The Kogi State House of Assembly will continue to discharge its constitutional mandate diligently and uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability and democratic oversight in the best interest of the people of Kogi State,” the statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed, declared.
