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The furore generated by the award given to H.E. Alh. Yahaya Bello yesterday, 8th February, 2017 did not come to me as as surprise but I was amazed at the venom spewed from wailers and hailers. The jamboree witnessed should be a bone of contention for all Kogites who desire a secure and prosperous Kogi state.
That the Governor has invested in Security is not in doubt which must be encouraged but the pertinent question is, can we honestly say it has achieved the expected outcome if the huge chunk of the budget devoted to security vote and other related matters are duly considered?
Genuine efforts are laudable but when it’s been rewarded with plaques tagged awards in the face of gaping inadequacies, it becomes worrisome.
My humble take is awards though assigned or bestowed ought to be given as a due or merited. Its appropriateness in terms of timing, relevance, objectivity and competitiveness give credibility to the organization giving the award and the recipient.
The nomenclature given to the award as inscribed on the plaque; MOST SECURITY CONSCIOUS GOVERNOR, will tone down my earlier position against the bogus claims by some that HE, Alh Yahaya Bello is being awarded, THE BEST GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA ON SECURITY MATTERS.
If the award is tested on the three basis earlier highlighted then it’s obvious there might be more to the award than meets the eye.
Is it appropriate for Gov Yahaya Bello to accept this type of award at this time with the avoidable deaths witnessed from the resurgence of armed banditry especially kidnapping in 2017?
With the gloom occasioned by the screening exercise, can the bazaar the event became be reasonably rationalized? In view of the large entourage, of what benefit is it to the state and its people apart from massaging the ego of the Governor and providing another opportunity for political appointees to display loyalty and show appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the present administration?
Are the organizers objective in their choice based on template used?
Is government really sensitive to the reality on ground in the state in terms of security despite its proclamation of feeling the pain of Kogites?
Listening to the Governor’s address, it’s gratifying to hear His Excellency recognize the purpose he is in saddle for.
The police hierarchy still need to tell Nigerians when award doling became part of its job schedule and its grating that my Governor became a willing partner in a scheme to testrun mediocrity.
The strides of Gov. Yahaya Bello to improve the security situation in Kogi state is laudable but today’s event in Abuja is a mockery of efforts Kogites hope and pray will yield the desired result of reducing armed banditry to a manageable level for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
The high point of today’s event is the exposition of the Emir of Kano and I hope beyond the round of applause, HE, Alh.Yahaya Bello will take to heart and be guided in his conduct by the admonition of the monarch.
A highlight of Emir Lamido Sanusi’s submission is desirable in this discourse.
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People who think they are in office to have comfortable lives are the worst set of leaders
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If there is anything that has destroyed this country, its people who when they get into office serve their families and themselves
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There are other forms of violence among which is poverty, lack of food and shelter.
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Greatest support is to make people happy and comfortable
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Leadership is a responsibility and opportunity to serve
According to the Monarch, a Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) states that leadership is a trust and on the day of judgment, it is going to be a source of humiliation and regrets. Everyone the monarch added must be aware that there will be a day an account will be given of the privileges of office.
Other issues raised by the monarch, the Governor must permit to provoke his thoughts and make amends where desirable.
Docked today, the award on the charges of impropriety, insensitivity and lack of objectivity is guilty as charged with the IGP and Gov. Yahaya Bello found culpable as accessories after the fact.
Closely related to this is the sad situation of a contrived system breeding a legion of troglodytes who see and hear no evil done to fellow Kogites even if it persistently stares them in the face. It’s a sign not good for the future of our state and concrete steps must be taken to nip it in the bud.
Yes efforts so far are worthy of commendation, yes the government must be encouraged to up its game but unhindered eulogistic proclamation in the face of inadequacies in terms of expectations of Kogites and the reality on ground is nothing but a potential downhill tumble on a slippery slope. It’s in everyone’s interest for the present administration to succeed and it’s left for the government and its officials to realize this and turn a new leaf.
If the Governor decides to continue basking in panegyrics of those who can’t tell him the truth, may it not be too late.
Gov. Yahaya Bello must urgently imbibe the positive ideas in the Kogi State Security Trust Fund which appears to have been jettisoned by his administration. Government is a continuum and leveraging on the gains of policies of certain policies of previous administrations will be a step in the right direction. KGSTF is an act of Parliament in the state and its disheartening to see the indifference of the House of Assembly to its abandonment. At a time, we had a manageable security situation but sincerely it has deteriorated and measures to tackle this menace must be fashioned and appropriately implemented. The role of hunters and vigilante groups in the state must be maximally explored and exploited in this regard.
The will, courage and grace to direct the state on a real new direction to tranquility and prosperity for Kogi state and its people, may it be divinely bestowed on the Governor.
God bless Kogi state!
– Olalekan Aiyenigba
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