Formal Retraction of Media Statement Regarding Alleged Diversion of N13.4 Billion.
Your Excellency, I would like you to accept this letter as a formal retraction of the statement that I, Usman Okai Austin, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob and Peter Onuma made during a press briefing of last month, as it has to do with the matter titled “Group Demands Immediate Refund of N13.4 Billion Allegedly Diverted from State Coffers by the Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.”
Upon further review and diligent comparism of the relevant facts, particularly those provided by the State Government concerning the disbursement of funds intended for local government development, I came to the realization after much briefing and clarification of the significant discrepancies in the information upon which the previous statement was based on at the material time. Specifically, I now understand that the funds in question amounts to Three Billion Naira (N3,000,000,000.00) and that the State Government has provided documentation outlining the approved sharing formula for these released funds, which are hereby attached for your kind perusal.
Consequently, I acknowledge that our previous comments may have inadvertently caused confusion and were based on inaccurate information about the financial details *available to us* at that material time.
I hereby apologise on behalf of myself, Okpanachi Jacob, and Peter Onuma, who were invited as part of the press conference and withdraw the said statement in its entirety.
Furthermore, we wish to categorically state that our activities within Kogi State are devoid of bigotry or Party differences as alleged by some quarters, rather a sincere participation in ensuring that you write your name in the golden history of our dear State.
Our collective intention has consistently been to provide an opposing voice and contribute to holding the government accountable, a role we believe is vital in a democratic society.
We have no personal animosity, hatred, or ill feelings towards your Government, Personality, Tribe, or any member of your family. We hold your Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo, in high regard as the duly elected Governor of our esteemed state.
It is never our intention to demean your Excellency in Person, your Family or Office. However, we take full responsibility for any damage or inconveniences my assertions may have caused.
This retraction is made in good faith, and we deeply regret any distress or harm the previous remarks may have caused to your Excellency, the administration, or the good people of Kogi State.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Long live Kogi State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Yours Faithfully,
Comr. Usman Okai Austin, CCA