Clapbacks over Alleged Billions of Naira Spent on Remodelling of Kogi Government House

Does the evil that men do really live with and after them, or does it birth a new generation? This has become a debated subject since recent reports alleged excessive spending on the remodelling of the Kogi State Government House. Under Governor Usman Ododo, the state is alleged to have spent N3.1 billion between April and June 2024 on various government house renovations, which far exceed the allocated budget.

Critics are raising questions about the legitimacy of Ododo’s expenditures, given the stark contrast between the budgeted and actual amounts spent. The amount allocated for minor capital works was allegedly grossly exceeded, with N784 million spent instead of the N100 million originally budgeted.

The controversy is further fuelled by the poor reputation of the former governor, Yahaya Bello, who is currently entangled in a high-profile corruption trial involving allegations of misappropriation and money laundering. Bello, who led Kogi State for eight years, faces a staggering N80 billion in corruption charges and has been evasive about his court appearances. His attempts to have his trial relocated to Lokoja have only added to the ongoing scrutiny.

The new governor, Ododo, is rumoured to be following in his predecessor’s footsteps. The absence of accountability for Bello’s alleged financial misconduct has led to fears that the new administration might continue the same patterns of corruption. This situation has prompted commentators to question whether the new governor’s actions are a result of the former governor’s unchecked practices.

Public opinion remains sharply divided on the matter. While few view the recent expenditures as a necessary investment in state infrastructure, the majority see them as a continuation of the corrupt practices that plagued the previous administration. The fact that Kogi State’s spending on government infrastructure has so drastically exceeded other crucial areas, like education and healthcare, makes things as sad as they are stark.

So, for a remodelled house, does Ododo really dare to sink state funds, as the allegations claim? Or does he dare because his predecessor reportedly did the same and went away with it?