Research has shown that Kogi is one of the least developed State in Nigeria. Though it is visible to the eyes that Kogi State is blessed with abundance of human and natural resources but development can not take place because there is no good leader to instigate it.
The problem many Kogites are suffering from is a recognition problem; we can’t seem to recognize good leaders from bad ones. So, how can we say we are wise when we are only carried away by their manifestos instead of their good works in the past.
Kogi people have failed to acknowledge the fact that the manifestos, wealth or political party of a politician does not make him or her the best candidate in an election. This is why we Kogites are always cowed by the sweet words of politicians.
If all the sweet words made by Governor Yahaya Bello, before his emergence as Governor and even when he was just declared Governor, has come to pass Kogi state will be the best state, in terms of development, today.
I still remember when Governor Bello said that he will celebrate the completion of Agassa road within 100 days in office but today the road has not gotten to 50% completion.
Bello said that time shall come when he will ask if there are any road that he is yet to repair and all the people of Kogi will say No, but today, Kogi has worst roads of which a pregnant woman can even suffer miscarriage if she follow the road from Ajaokuta to Okene or Okene to Lokoja.
Bello said at the end of his government, any community that did not have water should hold Deedat, the commissioner for water resources, responsible. But today, water is still the major problem our women are facing if not for the raining season that has come to our rescue now.
Bello said; “pay your tax and get quality education and quality health care”. But today, after paying the taxes, our childrensare still sent home from school for non payment of school fees and people are still dying in the hospital for lack of money and poor treatment.
Bello said “drop your guns, we will give you tools to work and give you employment”, but today, there is no employment apart from the secret employment made by them and for their relatives.
Bello promised to develop agriculture, adding that “by the time we are two years in office, the sector would be employing at least 100,000 Kogi indigenes in diverse capacities, but today, how many Kogi indigenes has been employed in the agricultural sector?
With all these, how can we say we are wise?
Governor yahaya Bello has no clear vision. He is a man on mission without vision that will only end up in division. Leaders without vision are bound to fail. Leaders who lack vision cannot inspire teams, motivate performance, or create sustainable value.
Governor Bello possess all the qualities of a terrible leader. You are a terrible leader when you cause your entire people to be fearful of making any decision that is not in your favour. You are a terrible leader when you don’t listen to masses’ complain, not even to the king of your land. But remember that the Governor’s seat is a temporary appointment but Kingship is forever.
You are a terrible leader when you don’t realize the impact of your behavior and your words as it effect to your people, especially we the Ebira’s that you have brought shame and hardship upon.
If Kogi People have been speaking out whenever they sense corruption, mismanagement or bad leadership style by any government believe me that leadership in Kogi state would have been marked by accountability.
The reason why Kogi is flooded with so many bad leaders is because the citizens of Kogi state are always silent on issues bordering on corruption and mismanagement because of the fear for their lives or for self interest.
And the truth is that, before any leader will do something wrong for his benefit, he must consider the kind of citizens he is leading, and the level of checks on his activities. If his followers are the type that use to cry out when ever they sense abnormalities, believe me that the leader’s level of irregularities will be low because he knows that his followers are watching him closely.
I know tribalism is what will kill and bury us in Kogi state. However, I am begging us all, let’s stand for the truth. Don’t keep quiet, let’s speak out so that those in government can correct themselves through our complains, irrespective of our tribe.
I am an Ebira man and Governor yahaya Bello is my brother from same local government, so if he changes his way and do the necessary things now, I will praise him like no other and give him a full support.
Let me use this opportunity to wish all the Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Ramadan, and to remind us that this is a holy month full of mercy, blessing and forgiveness. May Allah accept our Dua and fasting and count us among those that will benefit from this month of Rahma and guide our leaders right. Amen.
– Abdulmumin Ahmed
Human right activist.
08062737273
