The Kaduna State Chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON) has dismissed allegations by ex governor Nasir El-Rufai that
Governor Uba Sani diverted Local Government Funds to purchase property in Seychelles, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, Muhammad Shehu, Chairman of Soba LGA and spokesperson of ALGON said the allegations are “false, patently absurd and ill-intentioned.”
According to him, “the allegations are meant to mislead the public, create disaffection, and ridicule the all -inclusive, pro-poor and people-oriented administration in Kaduna state.
‘’The Governor Uba administration stands for the rule of law and due process.
‘’Transparency and accountability are its watchwords. It supports and respects the financial autonomy of Local governments. It has never tampered with the funds of local governments”.
Shehu said further that on the contrary, the Sani administration has been executing programmes and projects to complement the efforts of local governments.
“Some of us served as Local Government Chairmen when Mal. Nasir el-Rufai was in office as governor.
“We can testify to the fact that what we have been receiving as monthly allocation since Senator Uba Sani became governor is more than double the amount we received during El-Rufai’s administration.
‘’Apart from enhanced monthly allocations, we have been operating in an atmosphere devoid of harassment and intimidation, unlike El-Rufai’s era that was marked by highhandedness and coercion,’’ Shehu said.
He said “during his turbulent and divisive administration, El-Rufai introduced and recklessly implemented ‘Riot Damage Deductions’ targeted at local governments in Southern Kaduna.
She added that, “It was a policy of “collective punishment” for Southern Kaduna people for not supporting his administration.
He said, “This ill-advised action created disharmony and deepened inter-ethnic tensions in the state. Thankfully, this divisive policy has been reversed by the Senator Uba Uba Administration”.
According to Shehu, Sani’s Rural Transformation Programme has revitalised rural economies and giving rural dwellers a new lease of life.
He said areas that were “hitheto inaccessible had been opened up, rural agriculture has been revived, jobs are been created, and security and peace have been restored”
Shehu said urged
El-Rufai to cross-check his facts before going public.
“Chairmen of the 23 Local Governments in Kaduna State are settling down to the business of governance.
“We are in a hurry to address the developmental challenges facing our people.
“We enjoy the confidence and support of the Governor Uba Sani administration…”
