NGF Speaks On Alleged Fraud, Assures Partners Of Necessary Action

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Governors Forum, (NGF) has assured development partners that allegations of financial impropriety against senior officials of the body are being handled by security agents.

NGF, in a statement by the legal department stated that one Abdulrazaq Barkindo, that raised the allegations has seized to be director of media and public affairs of the body.

“We assure the public, all our development partners and friends that there is no crisis whatsoever rocking the NGF or its Secretariat.

“The reckless allegations made in the publication and credited to Mr Barkindo are already being investigated by the Police and also a subject matter of a suit pending before a court of law.

“As a law-abiding organization, we shall co-operate fully with the Police in their investigation and ensure the prosecution of any individual that is behind this unwarranted attack.

“We want to assure our concerned friends and development partners who have been waiting anxiously for our comments, that there is no substance whatsoever in the allegations contained in the publication.

“Our refrain from joining issues is as a result of the need not to do or engage in any activity that may interfere with or prejudice the on-going investigation and court action instituted by Mr Barkindo.

“We also want to use this medium to appeal to all well-meaning Media houses not to allow their platform to be used by disgruntled elements in the dissemination of falsehood as we shall not shy away from vigorously defending our reputation and goodwill.

“We wish to reiterate that Mr. Abdulrazaque Bello Barkindo is no longer an employee of the NGF. Anyone dealing with him on account of his employment at the NGF does so at his/her own risk.”