A perusal of the speech by H.E, Alh. Yahaya Bello at the inauguration of the Appeal Committee to examine the complaints from the report of the screening committee revealed another genuine attempt to finally resolve this lingering problem.
The stated objective of fairness to all Kogites is laudable not only because it is the right thing to do in the shoddy manner the screening exercise was conducted but also the hope it has evoked in the minds of helpless genuine workers on the brink of hopelessness.
Though the report was filled with amusing and contradictory submissions that exposed lack of competence on the part of the screening committee in view of resources and time availed it, the duration set for the new committee is reasonable though many will argue it further stretches the agony of affected workers.
Issues have been raised about the composition of the new committee especially the inclusion of persons in previous committees whose indiscretion has been alleged to be the reason for the dismal outcome of work on the screening exercise. But if this will not impact negatively on the ability of the new committee to successfully deliver on its mandate, it ought not be focused on. It remains to be seen if the skepticism is justified or not.
The penchant to execute simple tasks in complicated manner is obvious and it should be discouraged to put an end to squandering of scarce resources that could be put to better use.
I will want to believe the Governor will take this serious which he has shown by directing the committee to report to him directly. It is only hoped this will not be observed in breach.
While the gains of weeding the payroll of the state of ghost beneficiaries cannot be overemphasized, the government must ensure that the ghost of the ghost syndrome is finally laid to rest to put an end not only to the misery of workers and pensioners erroneously ‘ghostified’ by inept ghostwriters but also obliterate the distraction on governance.
I have maintained that until and unless the issue of salary and pension arrears is finally resolved, every other achievement of government will pale into insignificance; even if the streets are paved with gold, hunger will make genuine appreciation difficulty.
The administration of Gov.Yahaya Bello with this has admitted error and is taking steps to correct same which is a gratifying departure from the immediate past when government and its officials see the handwork of enemies in its troubles and consequently blames its indiscretion on others; it is hoped this new direction in thought will be maintained.
The Governor should understand this is the last opportunity for its administration to redeem an image devoid of integrity and transparency in the eyes and mind of the people in view of broken and unfulfilled promises in the past, this opportunity must not be lost.
For those adversely affected by the mistakes of the past screening exercise, added patience will be a good virtue now though it has been exhibited in abundance over several months now. It’s not been a fair deal so far but hopefully the agony is about to end and the perseverance will really be worth the while if the outcome is transparent, just and fair.
Kogites just need to pray that this will be the last time, workers and pensioners will be forced to go through the ordeal of the past year.
The Governor is implored to ensure there is no delay in payment once workers and pensioners are cleared because it is only then Kogites will believe the proclamation that government feels the pain of workers.
The grace to do the right thing for Kogites, we should all pray Allah (SWT) grant the Governor while protecting him from friends and foes alike.
God bless Kogi state!
– Olalekan Aiyenigba
