The Kogi State government has accused a former chief of naval staff, Jubrin Usman, of attempting to distract the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, with his claim that government was engaging in self-praise over payment of salary arrears to workers.
The government, however, said it would not be distracted reacted, asking Usman, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to concentrate on his “arduous task of introducing himself to the party members in the state rather than throwing unnecessary tantrums at the Government”.
Speaking to newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Director-General to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, accused Jibrin of “deliberately attempting to distract the Governor from delivering democracy dividends to the people of the state”.
“The retired Naval Chief should be concerned that the only campaign tool he has finally evaporated as salaries have been paid. Hanging on salary issue was a political error on his part as it was obvious that the problem was going to be solved.
“Now that they have been frustrated that workers have received their salaries, they have switched to sponsoring ready renegades to put up a show of shame on television.
“The next Governorship election in Kogi State is going to be determined by performance and the Governor will focus on that.
“Those who felt bad that the Government was able to clear salaries of workers are the real enemies of the people and have shown that they have no interest of the masses at heart.
“Listening to certain campaigns shows that some people are still not convinced that democratic governance is anchored on ballot and not bullets.
“As a Government, we shall ensure we protect the fundamental right of our people to make choices without harassment and intimidation”.
Fanwo said Government was relieved to have succeeded in putting the salary issue behind, saying efforts are on to complete some ongoing projects in the state.
He said contractors are working hard to ensure that most of the projects are completed before the end of the first term of the Governor, insisting that the Governor will continue the “winning spree” in the governorship poll.
Credit: Tribune
