The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has come out in strong support of the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Mohammed Goni Alkali, dismissing allegations of corruption and mismanagement leveled against him by a group called the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations against Corruption in Northern Nigeria (COCSOCINN).

In a statement, by Comrade Tijani Ali Danjuma, its National Spokesperson,
COCSON described the allegations as “baseless, unfounded, and part of a coordinated campaign to discredit the remarkable achievements of the NEDC under Mr. Alkali’s leadership.”

Danjuma accused COCSOCINN of being a “faceless group” saying that despite laying claims to be a “Coalition of Civil Society Organisations against Corruption in Northern Nigeria,” it “has not been able to provide any credible evidence of its existence, let alone its legitimacy to represent the interests of civil society in the region.”

The COCSON spokesman said since his appointment as the Managing Director of the NEDC in 2019, Mr. Mohammed Goni Alkali has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the commission’s mandate of rebuilding and revitalizing the North East region.

According to him, “Under his visionary leadership, the NEDC has embarked on a series of impactful projects and initiatives that have directly improved the lives of millions of people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.”

Danjuma listed some of the achievements to include reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Livelihood Support, investment in Human Capital Development, promotion of Peace, Reconciliation, and Social Cohesion:

The group praised Alkali’s “transparent and impactful leadership” and highlighted the NEDC’s achievements in rebuilding and revitalizing the North East region.

COCSON also pointed out the flaws in the allegations made by COCSOCINN, including a lack of credible evidence, inconsistencies, and contradictions.

The statement explained further, ” COCSOCINN has failed to provide any tangible evidence to substantiate their allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NEDC. Their claims are largely based on hearsay, unsubstantiated allegations, and the biased accounts of a single individual, Reverend Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, who has a history of making unverified accusations against public officials.

“Inconsistencies and Contradictions:
The COCSOCINN’s petition is riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions. For instance, they claim that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, allegedly withdrew N13 billion from the NEDC, yet they simultaneously allege that the Managing Director, Mr. Alkali, is responsible for the misappropriation of these funds. This clear contradiction undermines the credibility of their allegations.

He said COCSON, as the umbrella body of civil society organizations in Nigeria, has not been consulted or involved in the activities of this so-called coalition.”