The inauguration of Governor Yahaya Bello as Executive Governor of Kogi State was greeted with jubilation and great enthusiasm. The 25,000-seater Confluence Stadium was nearly filled up with Kogites who came from far and near to see the man of the moment, Yahaya Bello.
Few hours after the inauguration, our Gov. Bello reeled out the list of first political appointees; the Chief of Staff, Special Adviser on Media and the Chief Press Secretary. The appointments were applauded by many. After the appointments, the young Governor disappeared from the state and is yet to return. His directives on reinstatement of sacked LG Chairmen and dissolution of Boards were issues from Abuja. A governor-by-correspondence in the making?
Kogites are less concerned about the steps taken so far by our governor. A survey of opinions across the state capital suggests that the immediate expectations from the citizens are:
1. Payment of Salary. It is yet another month end and salaries are due. This is the first magic Kogites expect from their beloved governor. State government staff are being owed 4 months salaries now.
2. Hold meeting with labour leaders and get workers back to work. The industrial action embarked upon since last year by civil servants in the state has crippled the state’s economy. If the Governor can get labour to call off the strike, annoying and life-endangering waste that litters the streets of Lokoja will be cleared by officers of the State’s Waste Management Office. Calling off the strike will hopefully put an end to the current water scarcity in town. Lokoja residents now move around like Mai-ruwas carrying buckets and jerry cans around wasting productive man-hours in the process.
3. Abolish JAC. The progressive Governor Bello is expected, as a matter of urgency (become him and his cronies get used to the ungodly goodies), abolish joint account with Local governments. This will ensure accountability, openess and probity in our grassroot governments.
Kogites are anxiously waiting for the new governor to start performing the long-awaited magic.
– Titi Balogun, Lokoja.
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