Owolabi Taiye Paul of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State has publicly retracted his allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds levelled against the state Accountant-General, Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko, and Hon. Ayaga Daudu Gabriel, describing his earlier claims as false, untrue and misleading
Paul, in an apology and retraction statement he personally signed, expressed regret over the allegations relating to the alleged misuse of funds during the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, admitting that the claims against the two public figures were based on false allegations.
He unequivocally withdrew the accusations and tendered an unreserved apology to both individuals for the embarrassment, reputational damage and distress his statements might have caused them, their families, associates and supporters.
In the statement, Paul particularly apologized to Onumoko, acknowledging her position as Accountant-General of Kogi State and appreciating her mentorship, guidance and contributions to governance and public administration.
He also expressed regret for linking Hon. Ayaga to allegations of election fund embezzlement, insisting that his earlier accusations against the former House of Assembly member were false and were being withdrawn completely and without reservation.
Paul further apologized for any harm or misunderstanding his statements might have caused Hon. Ayaga, his family, associates and the people of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area.
The apology extended to the political leadership of the state, as he expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for their leadership and commitment to the development of Kogi State.
According to him, the need to promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence informed his decision to acknowledge his mistakes and withdraw the allegations.
He noted that unfounded accusations could create unnecessary divisions among the people and undermine the trust needed to achieve collective progress.
Paul consequently appealed to all concerned to accept his apology in the spirit of peace, forgiveness and unity, adding that he took responsibility for his earlier statements and regretted the circumstances surrounding them.
He called on the people of Ogori/Magongo and Kogi State at large to put aside political differences and work together to promote peace, good governance and development.
The statement stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among the people, irrespective of political affiliations, in advancing the collective well-being of the state.
Paul reiterated his unreserved apologies to Onumoko and Ayaga, restating that his allegations accusing them of embezzling or misappropriating election funds were false and untrue.
He appealed to both individuals to forgive him over the allegations and the possible consequences of his earlier statements.
Recalled that shortly after the 2023 governorship election that produced His Excellency Alhaji Anmed Usman Ododo, a thirteen paragraphs petition was written by Owolabi Taiye Paul of Ogori-Magongo LGA with the caption “Kogi 2023 Governorship election in Ogori-Magongo LGA – A fault from Kogi state government or from Gabriel Daudu Ayaga and his cohorts?”
The said petition which he later described as a figment of lies, false allegations orchestrated by him to mislead the people of Ogori-Magongo local government area and general public reads:
APOLOGY AND RETRACTION OF MY EARLIER CLAIMS
I, Owolabi Taiye Paul of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area, Kogi State, wish to tender my unreserved apology to the Accountant-General of Kogi State, Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko and Honourable Ayaga Daudu Gabriel over my earlier allegations and statements concerning the alleged misuse and embezzlement of election funds during the 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election.
I sincerely regret making these allegations and wish to state clearly and unequivocally that my earlier claims accusing Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko and Honourable Ayaga Daudu Gabriel of embezzling or misappropriating election funds were false and untrue. I acknowledge that these claims were based on false allegations, and I hereby completely retract them.
I sincerely regret any embarrassment, reputational damage, or distress my statements may have caused them, their families, associates, and supporters.
I particularly extend my heartfelt apology to Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko for any injustice caused by my earlier statements. I acknowledge her position as Accountant-General of Kogi State and appreciate the importance of her mentorship, guidance, and contributions to governance and public administration.
Similarly, I sincerely apologize to Honourable Ayaga Daudu Gabriel for mentioning his name in connection with allegations of the misuse or embezzlement of election funds. I acknowledge that my earlier accusations against him were false, and I withdraw them completely and without reservation.
I regret any harm or misunderstanding my statements may have caused him, his family, associates, and the good people of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area.
I also wish to express my appreciation to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, and the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for their leadership and commitment to the development of our state.
At this moment, I consider it necessary to put aside political differences, acknowledge my mistakes, and promote reconciliation among our people. I recognize that unfounded allegations can create unnecessary divisions and undermine the trust required for collective progress.
I therefore appeal to all concerned to accept this apology and retraction in the spirit of peace, forgiveness, and unity. I take responsibility for my earlier statements and sincerely regret the circumstances surrounding them.
As indigenes in the development of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area and Kogi State at large, we must recognize the importance of working together, irrespective of our political differences, to promote peace, good governance, development, and the collective well-being of our people.
Once again, I tender my sincere and unreserved apologies to Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko and Honourable Ayaga Daudu Gabriel. I unequivocally retract my earlier allegations against both individuals and affirm that my claims accusing them of embezzling or misappropriating election funds were false and untrue.
I regret making those allegations and ask for their forgiveness.
Signed:
Owolabi Taiye Paul
Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area
Kogi State
08035809581
