Kogi State Internal Revenue Service management has flatly rejected claims of financial wrongdoing and poor leadership levelled against its current administration.
A social media post from a group calling itself "Kogi Watchdogs" triggered the response. The allegations surfaced on June 18.
Among the accusations: executive chairman Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe has mismanaged agency funds and implemented harmful policies. Staff victimization was also cited.
"Kogi Watchdogs" claimed over 15 employees faced dismissal for minor infractions. They also alleged unproductive training programs and under-reported revenue collections.
Management addressed journalists Tuesday at the revenue house in Lokoja. Director of Income Tax Emmanuel Yusufu represented the executive chairman.
Yusufu said the allegations were "malicious" and completely false. He emphasized the need to defend the organization's reputation to taxpayers.
According to him, the service operates under clear legal frameworks. These laws define discipline procedures and administrative protocols for staff conduct.
Yusufu stressed Enehe wasn't directly involved in staff terminations. That responsibility falls to the Directorate of Legal Services, he noted.
All dismissed employees underwent proper disciplinary procedures under the law. Management offered them severance arrangements despite the severity of their offences.
Yusufu added: "The executive chairman is open to accountability, transparency and honesty." He won't ignore issues that could harm the organization.
KGIRS maintains zero tolerance for staff indiscipline, management declared. Staff transfers are routine administrative actions following established policy.
Another key accusation concerned alleged personal accounts used by the chairman. Management firmly denied operating private accounts for state revenue.
Every kobo collected goes into government-approved bank accounts. The Office of the State Accountant General provides oversight, according to Yusufu.
Multiple bank accounts exist solely for operational convenience. All funds move directly to Kogi State Government coffers.
Enehe holds no signatory authority over any revenue account. This fact eliminates any possibility of personal misuse of funds.
"We maintain no accounts outside those approved by state government," Yusufu declared. Revenue management follows strict governmental protocols without exception.
Management rejected the claim that trainings and workshops prove wasteful. Such programs develop staff capacity and improve organizational efficiency.
Property acquisitions follow proper authorization channels. All real estate matters comply with government procurement regulations.
Revenue reporting remains accurate and complete across all collections. Audits by relevant authorities confirm the service's financial integrity.
Yusufu expressed confidence in the chairman's leadership credentials. He urged the public to disregard the "Kogi Watchdogs" publication entirely.
Management pledged continued commitment to ethical practices. The service will keep delivering revenue collection excellence for Kogi State.
