The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja finds itself embroiled in controversy as internal strife over alleged financial malpractice has come to the fore. This turmoil has erupted into a public spat between high-ranking officials within the NGF, casting a shadow over its operations and integrity.
In a bold move, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, the NGF Director of Media and Public Affairs, penned a scathing letter to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, who also chairs the NGF. In the leaked communication, Barkindo highlighted grave concerns about financial mismanagement within the secretariat, labeling it as more focused on transactions than fostering developmental initiatives.
Allegations of the NGF serving as a conduit for a select few rather than a catalyst for change have raised serious questions about the forum’s transparency and purpose. Barkindo’s call for a comprehensive forensic audit of all NGF accounts, including those created during periods of crisis, aims to shine a light on potential irregularities shielded from the scrutiny of governors under the guise of NIGOFO, among other mechanisms.
Lack of Accountability and Financial Oversight in Nigeria Governors Forum
A significant revelation within Barkindo’s leaked letter is the shocking absence of audits conducted on Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) accounts for over a decade. This glaring lack of financial oversight has created an environment where a handful of individuals seemingly wield unchecked control over the forum’s finances, transforming it into their personal fiefdom.
The call for a forensic audit isn’t merely an attempt to address present concerns but also sheds light on the systemic failures in governance and accountability within the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) . Barkindo’s assertion that the NGF operates as a conduit for specific individuals further amplifies the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the financial transactions and decisions made within the forum.
The demands for transparency and accountability resonate beyond the NGF’s internal workings, raising broader questions about the governance structures overseeing such influential bodies. As the rift widens within the NGF Secretariat, the crucial need for an impartial investigation becomes increasingly evident to restore trust and uphold the forum’s credibility as a platform for collective gubernatorial deliberation and progress.
Decade-long Unaudited Accounts and Financial Misappropriation
The National Governors Forum (NGF) faces accusations of financial mismanagement following revelations in a damning letter. The missive, attributed to an anonymous source within the NGF, highlights concerning issues surrounding the secretariat’s financial practices. The letter alleges a shocking lack of audits for the past decade, casting doubt on the financial integrity of the institution. It raises questions about the absence of qualified accountants despite the NGF’s involvement in substantial financial dealings, such as the Paris-London refunds, indicating potential mismanagement of funds.
Moreover, the disparity between the NGF’s substantial annual revenue of over three billion Naira and the reported total staff income of seventy million Naira has sparked concerns among employees. Shockingly, specific instances of staff members reportedly earning as little as N20,000 a month ($20) have been revealed, underscoring allegations of gross financial discrepancies within the NGF.
Alleged Manipulation of Funds and Lack of Transparency
The letter further alleges intentional manipulations of funds within the NGF, citing a controversial N630 million deduction from the N5 billion infrastructure support fund during the tenure of the Chairman. This deduction resulted in a heated dispute among governors and was purportedly orchestrated to undermine the chairman’s reputation among colleagues. Additionally, claims of insufficient briefings to the chairman, purportedly driven by external directives, suggest deliberate attempts to hinder effective governance within the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) .
Furthermore, the letter points to questionable transactions related to the Paris-London Club, where the NGF allegedly generated close to N19 billion, with intended staff rewards amounting to N850 million. The accusations hint at potential discrepancies between the generated revenue and the intended distribution, specifically implicating former Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State.
Calls for Forensic Audit and Accountability
Amid these startling allegations, the letter calls for a comprehensive forensic audit of all NGF accounts, including those opened during crisis periods, purportedly to shield financial activities from governor scrutiny. This call for accountability underscores the need to investigate historical financial records to ensure transparency and address the alleged financial improprieties within the NGF. The plea for scrutiny aims to restore trust and credibility, preventing future misuse of funds and fostering transparency within the institution.
The (NGF) is yet to officially respond to these allegations, leaving stakeholders and the public awaiting clarification and action on these deeply concerning claims. As calls for accountability grow louder, the integrity of the NGF’s financial practices remains under intense scrutiny, raising critical questions about governance and transparency within this influential body.
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