NIGERIA: Kogi Activist Okai Retracts ₦13 Billion Publication Claim Against Governor Ododo

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Kogi-born political activist and former House of Representatives candidate, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has formally retracted his earlier allegations against the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, concerning the alleged diversion of ₦13.4 billion in public funds.

The retraction comes weeks after Okai was arrested by security operatives in Abuja and transported to Lokoja.

His arrest, which drew reactions from civil society groups and opposition figures, was reportedly linked to the controversial press conference where he, alongside Comrade Okpanachi Jacob and Peter Onuma, accused Governor Ododo of misappropriating funds earmarked for local government development.

The accusation went viral across media platforms, intensifying tensions between the state government and its critics.

However, in a letter addressed to Governor Ododo, Okai admitted that the previous claims were based on incorrect information.

He said a review of the facts, including documents provided by the state government, revealed that the actual amount disbursed was ₦3 billion, not ₦13.4 billion as earlier alleged. The letter, dated March 31, was widely circulated on Monday.

“Upon further review and diligent comparison of the relevant facts, particularly those provided by the State Government concerning the disbursement of funds intended for local government development, I came to the realization after much briefing and clarification of the significant discrepancies in the information upon which the previous statement was based,” Okai wrote.

He acknowledged that the information used during the press conference was flawed and could have misled the public.

The activist apologised to the governor, his family, and the people of Kogi State, describing the retraction as a gesture made in good faith.

“I hereby apologise on behalf of myself, Okpanachi Jacob, and Peter Onuma, who were invited as part of the press conference, and withdraw the said statement in its entirety,” he stated.

Okai further clarified that his activism was never driven by ethnic, political, or personal motivations.

According to him, their efforts were rooted in the democratic principle of accountability and not targeted at defaming the person or office of Governor Ododo.

“We have no personal animosity, hatred, or ill feelings towards your Government, Personality, Tribe, or any member of your family. It is never our intention to demean your Excellency in person, your family or office,” he added.

The retraction marks a significant turn in the political atmosphere of Kogi, where accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement have long been points of contention between opposition voices and the government.

Governor Ododo is yet to issue a formal response to the retraction, but observers see the development as a major climbdown by one of his most vocal critics.