The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, has refuted allegations by a former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding the diversion of local government funds.

At a news conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, ALGON spokesperson, Alh. Muhammad Shehu, rejected the claims.

He stated that Gov.

Shehu described El-Rufai’s allegations as false and misleading, aimed at undermining the credibility of Governor Sani’s people-centred and inclusive governance.

He noted the accusations were intended to misinform the public, provoke discontent, and tarnish the image of the current administration’s developmental efforts.

El-Rufai had alleged that the governor misappropriated local government funds to acquire properties in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

“The Uba Sani administration strictly follows due process and the rule of law. It supports local government initiatives and does not interfere with their finances,” Shehu stated.

He said local governments now receive significantly higher monthly allocations compared to what was disbursed during El-Rufai’s tenure.

“Many of us served under El-Rufai. Under Sani, our allocations have doubled. We now operate without fear or intimidation,” Shehu remarked.

He further accused El-Rufai of pursuing divisive policies, especially the ‘Riot Damage Deductions’, which allegedly targeted Southern Kaduna, fuelling ethnic tensions.

Shehu praised the Sani-led administration for reversing such policies, promoting unity and fostering inclusivity across Kaduna State.

Citing rural development, Shehu highlighted the Rural Transformation Programme, which has improved agriculture, created jobs, boosted rural economies, and enhanced local security.

He urged the public to dismiss El-Rufai’s claims, calling them baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence.

Shehu assured that local government chairmen are focused on development, with no complaints about the state government’s handling of funds. (NAN)

Some indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud in the compensation and relocation of victims of demolition in Gishiri Village, Abuja.

A total of 455 houses and structures standing on a road corridor in the village were demolished to give way for a road project.

However, media reports alleged that victims of the demolished houses and structures, were being defrauded by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The reports, which emanated from a meeting between the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and leaders of the community, particularly identified Mr Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the authority as the culprit.

Reacting to the development, the indigenes, under different civil society organisations, in a joint statement in Abuja on Tuesday, called on the FCT Minister to investigate the claim.

According to them, the full investigation of the alleged fraud is necessary to determine the veracity of the claim and bring the culprit to book.

The statement was jointly signed by the President of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation, Isaac Isaac, and Youths Leader, FCT Youths Network, Mr Umar Makeri.

Others are the Women Leader, Abuja Original Inhabitants Women Association, Sarki Yemi and Chief Ambassador, Abuja Grassroots Ambassadors and Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Mr Yunusa Yusuf.

The group called for a probe into the fraud allegations, insisting that the FCDA Executive Secretary was wrongfully accused.

They called for fair hearing to enable Dauda to exonerate himself from the alleged fraud linked to him.

The group argued that a press release from the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, had completely absolved the FCDA boss of any fraud.

According to the group, the emphasis was on fair compensation for owners of demolished structures in Gishiri Village, irrespective of their indigenisation status.

“We the civil society organisations in the FCT have taken interest in the demolition, compensation and relocation of affected persons from Gishiri Village.

“We have done our investigations and can tell you that nobody was paid before demolition was carried out.

“While we believe that the media has the responsibility of holding government officials accountable, they also owe it to the people to present the facts as they are.”

The group commended the FCT minister for increasing the compensation funds from N655 million to N1.3 billion, stressing the need for social justice and equity.

They, however, said that they would not stand by and watch while an innocent person was being wrongfully accused.

“Is the Executive Secretary responsible for paying compensation? Is that not the responsibility of the Department of Resettlement and Compensation?

“Why then is the Executive Secretary of FCDA dragged for what he is not directly responsible for?

“We, therefore, call for a thorough investigation of all those involved in the compensation payment, where everyone involved will be given an opportunity to present their own case,” the statement said. (NAN)

The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for constituting the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

This is contained in a statement issued by its Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, on Tuesday in Kaduna, describing the move as a bold step for Nigerian education.

Hayab also welcomed the appointments, especially that of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, and Prof.

He described their appointments as proof of President Tinubu’s dedication to education and national progress, highlighting his resolve to ensure quality leadership for Nigeria’s future.

The cleric also congratulated other principal officers, including Registrar Sanusi Gambo Adamu, Bursar Ibrahim Dalhat, and Librarian Prof. Daniel Abubakar, urging them to deploy their vast experience.

He expressed faith in Bishop Kukah and Prof. Qurix, noting their strong backgrounds in leadership and academia would position the university as a centre of research excellence.

Hayab urged the new team to offer visionary leadership and establish a firm foundation, essential for the university to attain academic distinction and drive scientific innovation.

He noted that the Federal University of Applied Sciences, formerly Nok University, was renamed following its takeover by the Federal Government.

He said the institution plans to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025, marking a significant step in its development. (NAN)