Kaduna ALGON Dismisses ‘False’ Sahara Reporters Story, Says Governor Uba Sani Pioneered Local Government Autonomy

By: Abubakar Labaran

Contrary to claims by the online media platform 'Sahara Reporters' that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State hijacks Local Government statutory allocations, the Chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Honourable Jamilu Abubakar, has described the allegation as not only unfounded but also misleading.

In a press statement on Friday, the Kaduna State ALGON Chairman further characterized the report as the handiwork of disgruntled elements with no understanding of Local Government finance or the legal framework governing it.

The statement, signed by the ALGON Chairman, explained that far from hijacking Local Government allocations, the State Government has long been a pioneer of Local Government autonomy.

Consequently, he said, Local Governments in Kaduna State now directly disburse salaries, pensions, and other statutory obligations for staff in full compliance with the Supreme Court's July 2024 judgment.

Regarding claims of 'no landmark projects,' the ALGON Chairman stated that in 2025 alone, Local Governments have executed over 400 projects across the 23 councils, jointly funded with the state government.

He also debunked the insinuation that Local Government Chairmen avoid their domains for fear of voters, adding that the chairmen hold weekly meetings in their respective councils.

While maintaining that Governor Uba Sani remains committed to local government autonomy, transparency, and grassroots development, Abubakar challenged anyone to come forward publicly with verifiable evidence of any hijack of funds.

The statement demanded a public retraction of the claim and an apology from Sahara Reporters within 48 hours.

The ALGON Chairman said the association stands firmly with the governor and with President Bola Tinubu's vision of genuine grassroots development.