Senator Karimi Demands Accountability Over ₦500m Monthly Allocations to Kogi Councils

Senator Sunday Karimi has called for greater accountability in the management of local government funds in Kogi State, questioning how councils utilise monthly allocations reportedly averaging ₦500 million following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, raised the issue during a town hall meeting in Anyigba, organised by political stakeholders under the Win With Tinubu Shettima (WWTS) project to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Responding to questions about the benefits of fuel subsidy removal, the senator acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but maintained that the savings generated by the policy should translate into improved living conditions.

He also defended the Tinubu administration’s decision to strengthen governance at the grassroots, arguing that increased statutory allocations to state and local governments should provide opportunities for improved service delivery.

According to Karimi, an average local government in Kogi State now receives approximately ₦500 million monthly, making transparency in the utilisation of public funds particularly important.

“We shouldn’t be blaming everything on the federal government. A lot of savings have been made from fuel subsidy removal. We need to follow how it is used. If those savings are transformed into better living conditions for our people, that would be okay,” he said.

The senator’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of local government authorities in demonstrating how public resources are spent and the extent to which increased allocations benefit residents.

Political Reactions Emerge

The controversy has also reportedly generated political reactions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.

Tosin Olokun, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Council and Kogi State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), reportedly addressed APC supporters at his residence in Egbe following the debate surrounding Karimi’s comments.

Reports about the meeting suggested that disagreements had emerged over the senator’s position on local government allocations. There were also unconfirmed allegations that the political disagreement could affect Karimi’s campaign activities.

However, the circumstances surrounding the reported meeting and the allegations concerning the senator’s campaign could not be independently established.

The claims therefore remain unverified, and the available information does not establish that any action has been taken against Karimi because of his remarks.

Calls for Transparency in Council Spending

The debate has further highlighted questions about financial accountability at the local government level, particularly as councils receive increased allocations intended to support grassroots development.

An APC local government executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said public officials should welcome legitimate questions about their management of public resources.

According to the party member, the increase in allocations following fuel subsidy removal makes it important for local governments to demonstrate how additional funds are being used to improve public services and the welfare of residents.

The source added that transparent explanations of council expenditure would help address public concerns and strengthen confidence in local government administration.

The debate has also attracted attention in parts of Kogi West as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

On Saturday evening, some youths reportedly took to the streets in support of Karimi, expressing concern over the political disagreement surrounding his comments.

Their reported demonstration reflects the growing public interest in the management of local government resources and the political implications of demands for greater accountability.

A resident and businesswoman, Mrs Janet Igunnu, said public accountability should remain a fundamental principle of democratic governance.

“Democracy is about accountability to the people. Questions on how public funds are used are not an attack on any office, and the people of Kogi West deserve clear answers,” she said.

The debate has placed the management of local government allocations at the centre of discussions about grassroots governance in Kogi State, with attention focused on how public funds can be translated into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.