The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has responded to claims of financial misconduct within its secretariat, denying any crisis while confirming that the fraud allegations made by its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Barkindo, are currently under investigation by the police.
In an official statement released on Monday, the NGF’s Director Legal, Chijioke Chuku, described Barkindo’s leaked letter, addressed to the Forum’s Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, as containing inflammatory and misguided allegations. The letter accused the NGF of being more transactional than developmental, acting as a conduit for a few individuals and being involved in financial irregularities.
The NGF Legal Director refuted the allegations and emphasized that the police are already investigating the matter. The statement further disclosed that the NGF has referred the issue to its lawyers for advice and necessary action regarding the defamatory nature of the publications.
It clarified that there is no crisis within the NGF or its secretariat and reassured the public, development partners, and friends that the allegations lack substance. The NGF expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the police investigation and ensuring the prosecution of any individual behind the attack.
The statement concluded by noting that the NGF’s decision to refrain from joining issues publicly is to avoid interfering with or prejudicing the ongoing investigation and court action initiated by Barkindo.