The Kwali Area Council Administration has dismissed claims of a crisis surrounding the retirement of its Director of Finance and Accounts, Hajiya Rabi Muhammad Loko, describing reports alleging that the Executive Chairman, Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali, acted in defiance of the Public Service Rules as inaccurate and misleading.
The council, in a statement signed by its Head of Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Habila, on August 8, 2026, said it was compelled to clarify issues surrounding the retirement process, payment of peculiar allowance arrears, staff welfare and the alleged position of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
According to the council, Hajiya Loko attained the statutory retirement threshold on August 4, 2026, and duly proceeded on retirement leave, contrary to reports suggesting that she had refused to proceed.
The administration explained that retirement and the administrative process of handing over responsibilities should not be conflated, noting that the orderly transfer of records, official responsibilities and institutional knowledge is a normal administrative procedure carried out through appropriate channels.
On the issue of staff allowances, the council said the Executive Chairman approved six months of peculiar allowance arrears and that the six months were duly paid to eligible staff.
It rejected claims that seven months were approved but only six months were paid, describing the allegation as misleading.
The council further stated that the administration actually exceeded the five months directed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, arguing that the payment demonstrated the chairman’s commitment to staff welfare while maintaining financial discipline in the management of council resources.
“There was no discrepancy between approval and payment,” the council stated.
The administration also dismissed claims that NULGE had threatened to shut down the Finance Department, saying the union had issued no such directive or threat.
It said the council continued to respect organised labour and recognised the role of NULGE in protecting the interests of local government employees, adding that it remained committed to engaging workers and their representatives through dialogue and established channels.
The council equally described reports of an impending mass protest as unverified, warning against presenting such claims as established facts without confirmation from identified organisers or the workforce.
It maintained that the administration remained committed to industrial harmony and would continue to provide avenues for workers and other stakeholders to raise legitimate concerns.
The statement also addressed reports linking the retirement matter to alleged political disagreements involving former Chairman, Hon. Danladi Chiya.
The council said allegations concerning political ambitions, financial obligations and alleged concessions were serious claims that required evidence and responses from the individuals directly concerned.
It cautioned against presenting allegations from anonymous sources as established facts.
The administration said the government of Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali remained focused on governance, financial discipline, staff welfare and the development of Kwali Area Council, stressing that its responsibilities would continue to be discharged in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
While welcoming responsible scrutiny and constructive criticism from the media, the council urged journalists, staff and members of the public to distinguish between verified information and unsubstantiated allegations, particularly on sensitive issues involving public officers, public finances and labour relations.
The council reiterated that Hajiya Loko had proceeded on retirement leave, six months of peculiar allowance arrears were approved and paid, rather than seven months, and that the six-month payment exceeded the five months directed by the FCT Minister.
It also reaffirmed that NULGE had neither threatened nor announced any shutdown of the Finance Department.
The administration assured residents and workers that it would continue to pursue transparency, accountability, staff welfare and peaceful and effective governance in Kwali Area Council.