Kogi State-born political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has leveled serious accusations against the Governors’ Forum, claiming that its members are among Nigeria’s foremost problems.
According to Okai, the forum has hindered the nation’s progress with their relentless pursuit of power and influence.
In a reaction to the President’s recent speech, Okai acknowledged that while the President has failed to meet certain demands, leading to widespread hardship among Nigerians, he places much of the blame on the governors.
He argued that they have effectively dismantled the local government system, reduced state assemblies to mere extensions of their offices, and undermined traditional institutions and the judiciary at the state level, turning judges into “errand boys” for the governors.
Okai characterized the Governors’ Forum as a “cartel of the enemies of the masses,” suggesting that its members prioritize their own egos and agendas over the welfare of the people they are meant to serve.
He claimed that the funds released by the President to assist the states are often misappropriated, with resources intended for the public being diverted for personal gain.
He highlighted the situation in Kogi State, where he alleged that Governor Usman Ododo allocates resources exclusively to political allies and youth leaders, who then resell these resources in the market.
“It’s shameful to hear some governors speak against the President, but none of them is better,” Okai stated.
He challenged them to account for the billions they have received in the name of intervention and palliatives, asserting that the governors have systematically destroyed local governments, state judiciaries, and traditional institutions.
He accused them of operating in an authoritarian manner and using the forum to manipulate the presidency for their own benefit.
Okai emphasized the need for the governors to allow the system to function effectively, arguing that without a robust and independent local government system, Nigeria’s issues will persist. He stresses that the country is fundamentally built on a third-tier system of government and calls on the governors to reflect on their practices.
“Ask them how many can claim they do not owe local government workers in their various states,” he urged.
“They have used local governments to commit fraud, and until this is addressed, our problems will linger.”
