The Kogi State Non Governmental Organization Network (KONGONET) has hailed Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar for his foresight in appointing one of their members, Mr. Abdur-Rasak Ibrahim in his cabinet as Special Assistant.
Secretary of KONGONET, Mr. Joshua Reuben stated this in Lokoja during a round table discussion organized by Ibrahim with CSOs and Media.
Reuben emphasized the importance of government accountability in ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of all citizens, stressing that the appointment has shown that the Speaker identified the CSOs as critical Stakeholders and partners in legislative matters that will enrich the development of the state.
The Special Assistant to the Speaker on Civil Society Organizations, Mr Abdur-Razaq Ibrahim who organized the round table discussion stated that his appointment will strengthen the collaboration between House of Assembly, government and the civil society organizations.
Ibrahim eulogized the speaker, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, for the establishment of the office of the special assistant as it will help synergise the relationship between the civil society organizations csos and government.
He further expressed the speaker’s commitment to fostering a healthy relationship with CSOs, stressing that their role in advocacy, public enlightenment, and grassroots mobilization is indispensable for the growth of the state.
The Special Assistant acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the stakeholders that their contributions would be forwarded directly to the Speaker.
The Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroots Advancement (INGRA), Mr Hamza Aliyu urged the government to roll out more sustainable measures that could help cushion the effect of the current economic hardship.
The meeting was attended by stakeholders from various CSOs, media organisations.
This is the first time in the history of the state House of Assembly that a Speaker will have an appointed aide representing the civil society organizations.
