…says allegation false, wicked, baseless
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
KOGI State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rabietu Okwute, has denied allegations linking her with a group of unidentified youths seen in a viral video shutting down an opposition party’s office in Dekina Local Government Area.
In a strongly worded statement, Mrs Okwute condemned the actions of the individuals in the video, saying she did not know them, did not send or support them, and their actions do not reflect the values of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
An online video went viral on Wednesday, showing some young men claiming to act on behalf of the state government, threatening to unleash violence on anyone who provides office space to an opposition political party.
Mrs. Okwute was however, named by some sources as the alleged sponsor of the group, an allegation she has now described as “false, wicked, and baseless.”
She described the attempt to drag her into the controversy as a calculated effort to tarnish her reputation, especially at a time like this when she is still mourning the recent death of her husband.
“I am still mourning my husband who died on August 1. I have barely been seen in public, much less involved in any political activity,” she lamented.
The Commissioner recounted her career as a civil servant in Dekina, where she rose to the position of Treasurer before her retirement, and attributed her appointment as Commissioner to over three decades of hard work, integrity, and selfless service.
Okwute also dissociated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo from the incident, describing the him as “a known gentle, calm, and peace-loving leader who has never supported violence in any form.”
As Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Okwute stressed that her core mandate is to protect the vulnerable and not to incite violence that could create more hardship.
She maintained that her Ministry has always focused on empowerment programmes, skills training, food support, and community development, all aimed at reducing poverty and human suffering in Kogi State.
Okwute therefore implored the general public, particularly people of Dekina, to disregard the allegations and avoid being used as political tools, as she urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and arrest any individual or group found inciting violence.
The Commissioner further warned that she would take legal action against any person or platform that links her to political violence without verifiable proof.
Okwute assured APC members and the people of Dekina of her continued loyalty and service, reaffirming her commitment to upholding national and cultural values, peace, progress, and people-centered leadership.
