It has come to the attention of the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, a story with above heading being peddled by a section of the media, different from what the public saw and heard about what transpired on the floor of the State House of Assembly during its plenary on Thursday 28th March, 2024.

Details of what was said and done was well captured by the State Assembly Correspondents who were on ground during the plenary and those who watched the live video of the plenary on Facebook by the CPS to the Speaker where he made announcement about the constitution of a committee to complete the assignment of the previous members of the Assembly to ascertain the total revenue that accrued to the state.

A press statement was also later released and circulated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker about what transpired on the floor of the House and at no time did either the Speaker or any member of the State Assembly mentioned that they “do not know what exactly comes from the federation account. We also do not know what we generate internally. Following the discrepancies in figures, it has become imperative for us to get the correct data on what comes into the Kogi purse.” None of these quotes were said by anyone at any time during the plenary.

Unnecessary editorializing, which is one of the banes of journalism is what is at play here and the current legislature in the State frowns at efforts of publishers and news authors to put words in the mouth of the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly.

In fact, the live video is still on the timeline of the CPS’ Facebook page and can be accessed through; https://www.facebook.com/share/v/cxVndoRFg8XMvESQ/?mibextid=xfxF2iwhere what was actually said on the floor of the house can be further ascertained.

Let me reiterate that the Speaker, while emphasizing the importance of the committee further stressed that it was necessary to get the correct data on the total revenue that accrued to the state, stressing that it would also go a long way in assisting Kogi State to plan and realize its quest for rapid infrastructural and human capital development.

While the current 8th Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf is open to transparency and accountability in governance, it is also determined to have a robust and mutually beneficial relationship with the media.

It is on that note that the Speaker appeals to journalists to always cross-check their information with his office through his Chief Press Secretary to ensure the Assembly’s position on issues are properly presented to the public at all times.

Signed;

Yabagi Mohammed

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,

Kogi State House of Assembly, Lokoja.

29/03/2024