…Accuses chairman, others of withdrawing 5.5bn case against Alabi
The Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON has criticized Hon. Isa A. Taofiq chairman Ijumu lga- Kogi State, for betraying and compromising on upholding the mandate of the IMC months after promising to join hands to restore the association which was hijacked by the Alabi led faction.
Addressing the situation on Monday, in a statement signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Aliyu, chairman representing Edu local government area, Kwara State, the IMC registered displeasure at the recent action of Hon. Toafiq while reiterating its zeal to restructure and restore the association to its status quo.
“This is to address the recent turn out of event in the leadership of the IMC, one of our own recently compromised on his words and towed a path of no return in a bid to further maraud the leadership of the Interim Management Committee. Hon. Isa Taofiq, was a chairman of the Financial Committee of the NEC before going back to his vomit. The former left the Alabi’s camp sometime last year, after discovering that the later who is not a chairman of any LGA, hijacked the leadership of the association through lies and dubious means.
“Hon. Taofiq joined the IMC, promising to assist in restoring the association, he even championed a suit against the Alabi led faction after it was discovered that over 5.5bn funds belonging to the 774 constitutionally recognized local government areas in the Federation, was hijacked by the later and his cronies. We are bewildered that the same Hon. Taofiq, who had enough evidence against Alabi having worked with him overtime, would make a drastic U-turn to join the same camp he had left earlier because of mere amount he received from the accused.
“Judging from how Taofiq condemned Alabi, one would feel that he’d fight to see that justice is served, but then again, the saying that everyman has his price, has indeed come to play. Perhaps Taofiq’s earlier grievance against Alabi was because the price wasn’t right then; the same man he condemned and vowed to fight, was exactly the sponsor of his son’s recent wedding held in Kogi.
“Judging from his recent act of betrayal, we weep indeed for the future of the country as a whole, how long can we continue to ignore and indulge corrupt leaders? why would a man withdraw a suit he spearheaded against a corrupt leader, if monies haven’t exchanged hands? Hon. Taofiq, should be made to answer to these questions, there is a need for clarification for why a chairman who knows the constitution binding the association, should be the one tearing its peaceful veil by assisting hijackers to continue impersonating and diverting funds meant for the development of the association and the 774 LGAs.” it added.
The IMC, however called on Governor Yahaya Bello, to checkmate and caution the excesses of his chairman, as the recent action from him, poses as an eyesore and bad reputation to the government of Kogi State.
