Toba Owojaiye reporting
Kaduna, Nigeria
In a damning revelation that has rocked Kaduna State, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Uba Sani of orchestrating the diversion of over N53 billion in local government allocations for October 2024.
The PDP, in a strongly worded statement, undersigned by Hon Maria Dogo, the State Publicity Secretary, described the governor’s actions as a brazen act of corruption and a flagrant violation of local government autonomy, a principle upheld by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to the PDP, the funds, which were meant for the development and operation of the 23 local government councils, were allegedly commandeered by Governor Sani shortly after his return from an out-of-state trip. Sources within the PDP claim that the governor not only retained a significant portion of the allocation but also issued warnings to council chairmen against tampering with the remaining funds.
Truth Live News gathered that the financial impact on the local government councils has been severe. Reports suggest that only a fraction of the allocations made it to the councils. For instance, Kachia Local Government Area reportedly received a mere N600,000 for operations, while Kaduna North fared only slightly better with N1.5 million left in its coffers. These sums are paltry when compared to the operational needs of the councils, leaving them unable to provide essential public services.
“This systematic stripping of funds is not just corruption; it is an assault on democracy,” stated Hon. Maria Dogo, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Kaduna State. She accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of deliberately undermining local government autonomy to serve its own interests.
The PDP alleged that this is part of a broader pattern by the APC in Kaduna State to weaken local governance. The party pointed to the absence of free and fair local government elections as an indication of the ruling party’s intent to appoint pliant council chairmen. These chairmen, described by the PDP as “puppets,” are allegedly complicit in enabling the diversion of funds.
The statement from the PDP also criticized the governor’s habitual absenteeism, accusing him of prioritizing personal and political interests over the welfare of the state.
The Kaduna state PDP has called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and hold the perpetrators accountable. “Kaduna State citizens deserve better,” said Hon. Dogo. “The funds belong to the people and should be used for their benefit, not diverted into private pockets.”
Chief Edward Percy Masha, the Kaduna PDP Chairman, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring good governance in the state. “The PDP will continue to stand with the people of Kaduna State to expose impunity and corruption at all levels,” he said.
The allegations have sparked outrage among residents, with many demanding greater transparency and accountability following the most controversial election held in Kaduna state, where virtually no one saw the Local Government Chairman elections hold.
As calls for action grow louder, the APC administration in Kaduna State faces mounting pressure to address these claims and restore public confidence in local governance.
If proven true, the diversion of N53 billion could further erode trust in the current administration and deepen the financial woes of Kaduna State’s local governments, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of these alleged misdeeds.
As of the time of publication, Governor Uba Sani has not issued a response to the allegations.
