From the era of former Governor Yahaya Bello to the present administration of Governor Usman Ododo, Kogi State has continued to operate under an oligarchic-unitary system, where power is concentrated in the hands of just a few individuals.
Today, the governance of our state revolves around only three people — the former Governor, the Governor himself, and the Accountant General.
In the previous administration, at least five individuals shared control of government affairs, but today, the circle of power has shrunk even further.
Is this what governance means — that only a few decide the fate of millions?
Kogi citizens must ask ourselves:
What meaningful development can we see across our Local Government Areas?
Are our Executive Chairmen truly performing their constitutional roles?
Can they really be called “executive” when all powers are centralized at the top?
It is time for us to rise and save Kogi State from the control of a few individuals.
We have all read the recent revelations by Hon. Teina Samari, former Director-General of Lands, who exposed how, in Okene LGA, the so-called “proxy governor,” the Accountant General, is allegedly converting both federal and local government lands into personal property.
Government buildings and quarters are being demolished to make way for private houses, while lands belonging to the people are being shared among a privileged few.
Is this what we call governance?
Look at our primary schools — many have no teachers; some have only one or two. What kind of future is this government building for our children?
The current Accountant General has served under several local government chairmen in Okene. Is this how he used to operate?
If local governments were truly allowed to function, would such impunity be possible?
We know who she was before he rose to his current position — and today we say: enough is enough.
We demand that:
All Local Government Councils be allowed to function independently.
HoDs, Finance Clerks, DLGs, and DPMs in each LGA be empowered to perform their duties without interference.
All Commissioners, Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals must be allowed to operate freely as provided by law.
This government has crippled the system. It must decentralize power, duties, and functions to restore accountability and service delivery.
If this injustice continues, we will resist any attempt to impose a fourth-term agenda under the Yahaya Bello political structure (FGYB).
We therefore call on Hon. James Abiodun Faleke to heed the clarion call and join in the collective effort to save Kogi State from the grip of a few individuals.
Signed:
Comrade Umar Musa Balarebi
Coordinator, Save Kogi Initiative (SKI)
