EXCLUSIVE: Purveyor of Fake News Like Sahara Reporters Doesn’t Worth Our Attention – Kogi Govt
By Ozumi Abdul
Kogi State government has described the report by an online news platform, Sahara Reporters that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s government had spent N2.2billion in ‘remodelling’ government house Within his three months in Office as attention -seeking.
Speaking with our correspondent earlier today in reaction to the claim, the Special Adviser to the governor on media, Mr Ismaila Isah wondered why would any serious person believes any story from Sahara Reporters that is reputed for unrepentant notoriety for fake news peddling.
The controversial report, which suggested that Governor Ododo’s administration had expended 2.2 billion naira within three months solely on refurbishing the government house, was categorically dismissed as false and misleading by the governor’s aide.
He said that Governor Ododo’s primary focus since assuming office has been on improving the quality of life for the people of Kogi State.
The aide reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to infrastructural development, healthcare improvements, education enhancements, and other critical sectors that directly impact the welfare of the citizens.
According to Isah, such claims are baseless and lack credible evidence to substantiate their validity.
Isah added that Ododo’s government is determined to move the state to enviable heights, and won’t allow itself to be distracted by anarchistic political jobbers masquerading as journalists.
Highlighting the tangible achievements of the Ododo administration thus far, several key projects were underscored as testament to the government’s dedication to progress. These include:
He highlighted that significant investments have been made in the rehabilitation and construction of roads across the state, aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.
In the area of healthcare, the governor’s media aide noted that the government has prioritized the upgrade of healthcare facilities and services, ensuring access to quality medical care for all residents.
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He also revealed that initiatives to improve educational standards, such as school renovations, provision of educational materials, and teacher training programs, have been implemented to foster a conducive learning environment.
As for agricultural development of the state, Isah also noted that policies and interventions to boost agricultural productivity and empower farmers have been rolled out to promote food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Sahara Reporters in an ‘exclusive’ story had reportef that the budget performance review of the Kogi State government expenditure showed that the state spent N2.2 billion on “remodelling government house structure” between April and June, 2024 which represents the second quarter of the year.
It added that the development is despite budgeting only N962 million for the same for the whole year.
“The sum of N784 million was spent on “government house minor capital expenses” despite budgeting N100 million for the same.
“This expenditure was carried out under direct procurement. It is unclear why the state spent N784 million for “minor capital work” and did not also do so by allowing open competitive bidding”.
Sahara Reporters in the report also knocked the state government for giving minimal priority to education, detailing that its total expenses for six construction/provision of public schools for the whole state was only N495 million, while it pegged N101 million as the money spent on provision of hospitals/health centres.
“While Kogi state government classified N784 million it spent in three months for “minor capital works in government house” as a minor expenditure, its total expenses for six for construction/provision of public schools for the whole state was only N495 million, only N101 million was spent on provision of hospitals/health centres”.
In reaction however, the media aide reaffirmed that Governor Ododo’s administration remains undeterred by unfounded allegations and is resolutely focused on fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of Kogi State diligently.
He urged the public to disregard misinformation propagated by unreliable sources and assures continued transparency and accountability in all its endeavors.
