The Media Office of the Auditor-General of Kogi State has denied allegations linking Alhaji Yusuf Okala, the state Auditor General to the allegation of increment in school fees in state-owned educational institutions, saying his office has no direct policy-making mandate over tuition fees.
The office stated this in a press statement in response to a publication which it described as containing personal attacks, political insinuations and allegations against the Auditor-General.
The statement noted that the Auditor-General’s Office is not responsible for determining or increasing tuition fees in state-owned educational institutions, noting that the mandate of the office of the Auditor General is distinct from the administrative and policy responsibilities involved in such decisions.
The statement questioned the basis for linking Okala to the allegation of increment in school fees asking whether he is a member of the School Management Board and what evidence supported the allegation against him.
It also challenged the author of the misleading social media content to substantiate the claims with credible evidence, warning against presenting unverified allegations as established wrongdoing.
The Media Office maintained that while public criticism is welcomed, accusations without credible evidence could mislead the public and undermine responsible public engagement.
It further criticised the publication for allegedly relying on speculation and personal grievances rather than verifiable facts, urging the author to establish the facts before associating individuals with public controversies.
The statement reiterates that unsupported accusations will not be accepted as substitutes for evidence and called on the author to provide proof to support the claims.
