PDP chieftain, two others beg Ododo for forgiveness, retract N13.4bn diversion allegation

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Okai Austin, along with two others, has formally apologised to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, and retracted a media statement regarding the alleged diversion of N13.4 billion.

It is recalled that Okai Austin, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, and Peter Onuma alleged during a press briefing in March that funds had been diverted in a matter titled “Group Demands Immediate Refund of N13.4 Billion Allegedly Diverted from State Coffers by the Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.”

However, in a letter of apology addressed to the governor and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Okai stated, “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.”

The letter read as follows:

“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 last month, as it pertains to 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 comparison 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 realisation, after much briefing and clarification, of the significant discrepancies in the information upon which the previous statement was based at the material time. Specifically, I now understand that the funds in question amount to Three Billion Naira (₦3,000,000,000.00) 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, but rather reflect 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 your office. However, we take full responsibility for any damage or inconvenience our 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.”