The people of Kogi State especially those from the Eastern Senatorial district have expressed concerns over the failure of the government to swear in Prof Stephen Ikani Ocheni as Minister several weeks after the Senate had cleared him.
President of the Ujache Igala Association, Mr Goodman Akwu, described the development as “pathetic,” saying that the state had remained without a representative in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for one year and three months for no just reason.
“It is pathetic… we are cut off from our own country. Igala in particular and Kogi State in general has been marginalised under this administration.
“It is a sad episode and I will still take to the streets again to lead a protest. We are not out to beg because it is our right. Who is the one blocking us? Is it from within or outside?
“They told us to vote for change and we are now being short-changed. I’m urging the president or whoever is in that capacity today to inaugurate our minister without further delay.
“We learnt they want to reshuffle the cabinet but that is not a tenable excuse because any where he (Ocheni) is, he can still be reshuffled. The vacancy is still there; Ocholi was a deputy minister in the ministry of Labour before his death, let them inaugurate him to occupy that portfolio pending when they are ready to do any reshuffle. Deputy Minister is better than not having any minister at all,” he said.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Daniel Makolo who earlier challenged President Buhari at the Federal High Court over non appointment of minister from the Kogi State said he was still at the Appeal Court after the initial court failed to grant his prayers.
He said the Appeal Court had fixed a date for definite hearing, adding that whatever action taken by the federal government and the Senate over the issue of minister from the state amount to subjudice and an insult of the constitution.
Credit: Daily Trust
