The Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, Joseph Bege Gaiya, has strongly refuted allegations published by Sahara Reporters accusing the administration of Uba Sani of diverting local government allocations and leaving councils with only minimal funds to operate.
Engr. Gaiya described the report as false, malicious, politically motivated and deliberately crafted to incite public sentiment against the Kaduna State Government.
The chairman stated that local government councils in Kaduna State receive their allocations and continue to meet key financial obligations, including payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.
According to him, no local government council in the state is being crippled financially as portrayed in the report, stressing that councils are functioning and executing developmental projects across their various communities.
“Kaduna State local government councils receive their allocations and from these funds salaries, pensions and gratuities are remitted and paid accordingly. No council is being denied funds as mischievously portrayed,” he said.
Engr. Gaiya explained that several council chairmen inherited huge liabilities and debts upon assumption of office, particularly in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, where previous financial challenges severely affected development and governance.
He recalled that under the previous administration, substantial deductions were allegedly made from the council’s funds under what was referred to as the “riot act,” despite the security challenges facing the area, including banditry and communal clashes.
According to him, the situation at the time made it difficult for the former local government administration to effectively cater for internally displaced persons, execute infrastructural projects or meet other pressing needs of residents.
“Zango-Kataf Local Government suffered serious financial setbacks in the past. There were periods when deductions were made from the council’s funds despite the security and humanitarian challenges confronting our communities,” he said.
The chairman further disclosed that many projects executed by previous administrations remained unpaid due to lack of funds, adding that the current administration under Governor Uba Sani has assisted in offsetting several outstanding liabilities dating as far back as 2012.
He dismissed as unrealistic the claim that councils receive only N25 million monthly, arguing that Zango-Kataf Local Government alone has a wage bill exceeding N300 million.
“If councils are left with only N25 million as claimed, how do they pay salaries? In Zango-Kataf alone, our wage bill is over N300 million aside from operational and administrative costs,” he stated.
Engr. Gaiya also noted that the Kaduna State Government has consistently partnered with local councils on joint developmental projects, particularly in areas where councils may lack the financial capacity to undertake critical interventions independently.
“The governor has continued to support councils through joint projects and interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people. This demonstrates partnership and commitment to grassroots development, not diversion of funds,” he added.
The chairman accused Sahara Reporters of repeatedly publishing unverified and sensational reports against public officials without proper fact-checking.
He referenced an earlier publication concerning his person, which he said falsely alleged that an individual was arrested for criticising him, whereas the matter involved separate security issues between the individual and law enforcement agencies.
“This is not the first time Sahara Reporters is engaging in such reckless reporting. They often publish stories without proper verification, apparently to create controversy and attract attention,” he said.
Engr. Gaiya maintained that the latest allegations were being sponsored by disgruntled politicians who have lost relevance and public confidence.
According to him, blackmail and misinformation would not restore the trust they have lost among the people.
“This malicious campaign is clearly driven by politicians who have fallen out of favour with the people. No amount of blackmail or falsehood will restore the trust and credibility they have lost,” the statement added.
The chairman urged the public to disregard the publication and instead assess the Kaduna State Government based on visible projects, ongoing reforms and grassroots development initiatives across the state.
He reaffirmed his confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s administration and its commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable development.
End.