"Misinformation and Propaganda Will Not Derail Kogi’s Progress", Group »

…. Okai’s Ignorance on Full Display, The Accountant-General’s Role Explained

In the last 48 hours, a malicious and baseless publication has been making the rounds on social media. The publication, authored by one Austin Usman Okai, a well-known propagandist and merchant of fake news, accused the Kogi State Accountant-General of usurping the roles of the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning as well as the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs.
For those familiar with the political landscape of Kogi State, this latest attack from Okai comes as no surprise. His track record of misinformation, false narratives, and politically motivated propaganda has made him a notorious and disastrous figure in opposition circles. However, for the sake of public clarity and to set the record straight, we are compelled to address these unfounded allegations and urge the public to completely disregard Okai’s publication as nothing more than a fabricated, non-credible, and politically motivated piece of fiction.

To set the record straight, the commissioners mentioned in Okai’s malicious publication, like all other commissioners in Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration remain fully in charge of their respective ministries. They are actively discharging their duties with credibility and effectiveness. The claim of usurpation is nothing more than a figment of Okai’s imagination, a baseless lie meant to stir unnecessary controversy.

At the heart of good governance is effective financial management, ensuring that public funds are properly allocated, managed, and accounted for. This is where the role of the Accountant-General becomes indispensable. The Accountant-General is the chief financial officer of the state, responsible for overseeing the state’s financial operations, treasury management, and financial reporting.
In Kogi State, Dr. Habibat Onumoko is at the helm of this critical office. She is not just a savvy administrator and consummate accountant but a financial expert who is working tirelessly to promote fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in governance. Her tireless commitment to prudent financial management has been instrumental in ensuring the efficient utilization of state resources.

It is important for Okai and his co-travelers in misinformation to understand that the primary duty of the Accountant-General is to oversee the collection, custody, and disbursement of state funds. This includes ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately recorded, monitored, and executed in strict compliance with financial regulations and policies.

Under the leadership of Dr. Habibat Onumoko, Kogi State’s financial system has been fortified against mismanagement, fraud, and irregularities. Through strict financial controls, her office ensures that public funds are not misappropriated but used strictly for the benefit of the people under the directive of the Chief Servant, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Today, Kogi State enjoys a government that is deeply committed to infrastructural development, economic growth, and human capital advancement. The Ododo administration’s achievements are visible across all sectors, leaving no room for baseless criticism. However, for individuals like Okai and co-travellers who wish to seize power through deception, attacking key members of the administration has become their only strategy.

It is ignorant and misleading for Okai to suggest that the Accountant-General is overstepping her boundaries. In reality, the office plays an essential role in budget implementation and financial oversight.
The state’s annual budget, which outlines expected revenue and expenditure for the fiscal year, requires the expertise of the Accountant-General to ensure that public spending aligns with the approved budgetary allocations.
Additionally, the Accountant-General: Ensures that all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) receive their approved funds transparently and efficiently, Supervises the State Treasury Single Account (TSA), which enhances financial discipline and prevents leakages, Ensures prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and entitlements to civil servants, sustaining the civil service reforms initiated by the previous administration.
Workers’ Welfare and Financial Reforms Under Ododo’s Leadership
One of the most significant achievements of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is the sustained improvement in civil service welfare and financial reforms.
Issues related to salary and pension payments have been fully addressed, with workers and retirees receiving their entitlements without delays or discrepancies.
The TSA system managed by Dr. Onumoko has helped prevent revenue leakages and enhanced cash flow management.
These accomplishments cannot be ignored. Dr. Onumoko’s leadership in financial management has been a pillar of these reforms, ensuring that government operations run smoothly and effectively.

Under the previous administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, Kogi State received three consecutive awards from the World Bank for transparency and accountability. These accolades were not handed out randomly, they were a direct result of the diligence and expertise of the state’s financial team, which includes the Accountant-General, Auditor-General, and Commissioner for Finance.
Dr. Onumoko continues to uphold these standards by ensuring that: Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports are prepared and submitted on time, Revenue and expenditures are properly documented and accessible to key stakeholders, Public funds are used responsibly, fostering trust between the government and the people.

Another critical function of the Accountant-General is to ensure that MDAs adhere to financial regulations. This is achieved through:Monitoring fund disbursement to MDAs to prevent misuse, Providing financial training to MDAs to improve accounting practices, Conducting internal audits to detect and prevent corruption.
Through these strategic interventions, Dr. Onumoko ensures that public funds are effectively utilized across all government institutions, further promoting good governance.

One of the biggest challenges in public sector finance is the issue of ghost workers and payroll fraud. However, under Dr. Onumoko’s leadership: The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has been effectively managed to eliminate fraudulent salary payments. Following the footsteps of Ododo’s predecessor, Government employees at both state and local government levels now receive their salaries on time and in full, ensuring motivation and productivity in the civil service.
This commitment to efficiency and accountability contradicts Okai’s false narrative of financial mismanagement.

The administration of Governor Ododo is too focused on governance and development to be distracted by baseless attacks. Under his leadership, Kogi State has recorded tremendous progress across all sectors.

Eminent personalities, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, have testified to the remarkable strides made by the administration within just one year in office. The government’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructural development, and social welfare remains steadfast.
For someone like Okai, who operates in double negatives, it is important to remind him that his campaign of misinformation, blackmail, and baseless propaganda will not derail the administration’s focus on progress.

Conclusively, Blackmail Will Not Stop Progress. Governance is about service, development, and commitment to the people—not name-calling and baseless accusations.
Dr. Habibat Onumoko remains undeterred by political blackmail and distractions. Her priority is to ensure financial prudence, transparency, and accountability in Kogi State.
The Ododo-led administration will not be swayed by individuals who thrive on misinformation. Instead, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a better Kogi State for all.
Okai and his co-travelers in deception should take note: Their attempts to undermine progress will fail because Kogi State is moving forward, and nothing can stop that.

Adejoh Sylvester Ikani
Secretary General
Kogi Progressives Youth for Good Governance