By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Ikani John Urah, has debunked an open letter alleging plans to dispose of assets belonging to the Dekina Water Board, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement personally signed by the Chairman, Hon. Ikani said the claims contained in the open letter did not reflect the actual situation concerning the Dekina Water Board.
The open letter, signed by one Moses O. Abuh and addressed to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, had alleged that some assets of the Dekina Water Board were being targeted for disposal.
The writer specifically mentioned three generator sets, one metal iron and a water treatment plant, while appealing to the Governor to halt any proposed sale, auction, removal or disposal of the assets.
However, the Dekina Local Government Chairman rejected the claims, stressing that the matter surrounding the alleged activities of the State Water Board was already receiving the attention of security authorities.
According to Hon. Ikani, it was therefore inaccurate and premature for anyone to present the matter as an established case of disposal of public assets or to suggest that the local government was standing by while its assets were being removed.
The Chairman stated that the allegations connected to the State Water Board were under security investigation, urging members of the public to allow the relevant authorities to complete their investigations before drawing conclusions or circulating claims that could create unnecessary tension.
He further maintained that the open letter, as presented, created an impression that the alleged disposal of the water board assets had been established, whereas the circumstances surrounding the matter remained subject to investigation.
Hon. Ikani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting public property and promoting accountability in the management of government assets within Dekina Local Government Area.
He stressed that government assets should be handled in accordance with due process and the relevant administrative and legal procedures.
The Chairman also appealed to residents and stakeholders in Dekina to exercise restraint and avoid relying on unverified information concerning government property.
He said the appropriate security and government authorities were already examining the allegations and that the outcome of the investigation should be awaited.
Hon. Ikani further assured the people of Dekina that his administration remained committed to the development and welfare of the local government, including issues affecting basic infrastructure and public utilities.
The Chairman said his administration would continue to cooperate with relevant state government institutions and security agencies whenever matters affecting public assets and the interests of Dekina residents arise.
He therefore urged members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to distinguish between allegations requiring investigation and established facts.
The Executive Chairman maintained that responsible public discourse required all parties to allow due process to take its course rather than creating conclusions from allegations that had not been conclusively established.
He reiterated that the matter concerning the State Water Board and the allegations surrounding its assets remained under investigation and should be treated accordingly.
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Hon. Ikani therefore urged the people of Dekina Local Government Area to remain calm and disregard narratives suggesting that the local government had authorised or supported any unlawful disposal of public assets.
He assured residents that the local government would continue to protect the interests of its people while working with the appropriate authorities on matters concerning public infrastructure and government property.