The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State Chapter, has strongly refuted the allegations made by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai against the current Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani.
In a press conference held to address the issue, ALGON described el-Rufai’s claims as false, baseless, and deliberately intended to mislead the public, create disaffection, and tarnish the reputation of the Uba Sani administration, which they described as inclusive, pro-poor, and people-oriented.
El-rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State had alleged in a recent interview that Governor Uba Sani of siphoning local government funds and using them to purchase properties in Seychelles, South Africa, and London.
However, ALGON, as the umbrella body representing all 23 local governments in Kaduna State, categorically denied these claims, stating that they are not only untrue but also absurd and ill-intentioned.
The association emphasised that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has consistently upheld the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, and has never tampered with local government funds.
“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 Mal. el-Rufai’s administration”, the association said.
They noted that while el-Rufai’s era was marked by highhandedness, coercion, and policies that undermined local governments, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has fostered an environment of collaboration and support.
“Apart from enhanced monthly allocations, we have been operating in an atmosphere devoid of harassment and intimidation, unlike Mal. el-Rufai’s era that was marked by highhandedness and coercion”, the association sasupport.
According to them, One of the most notable examples of el-Rufai’s divisive policies was the introduction of “Riot Damage Deductions,” a punitive measure that targeted local governments in Southern Kaduna. This policy, which ALGON described as a form of “collective punishment,” was implemented in response to the region’s lack of political support for el-Rufai’s administration.
They said it did not only created disharmony but also deepened inter-ethnic tensions in the state. ALGON commended Governor Uba Sani for reversing this harmful policy and for taking steps to promote unity and inclusivity across Kaduna State.
ALGON also highlighted the significant achievements of Governor Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Programme, which has been instrumental in revitalizing rural economies and improving the lives of rural dwellers. Through this initiative, previously inaccessible areas have been opened up, rural agriculture has been revived, jobs have been created, and security and peace have been restored. These efforts, according to ALGON, have given rural communities a new lease on life and have contributed to the overall development of Kaduna State.
The association expressed disappointment that a person of el-Rufai’s caliber would make such allegations without verifying the facts. They urged the public to disregard his statements, describing them as wild allegations unsupported by evidence.
ALGON reaffirmed its confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s leadership and reiterated its commitment to working with his administration to address the developmental challenges facing the people of Kaduna State.
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