Photo credit: Premium Times Nigeria.
one hundred ago,precisely on January 27,2024, all roads led to the magnificent social event facility, Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre,Lokoja, Kogi state, north central Nigeria, where thousands of kogites and their well-wishers from all walks of life converged to witness the most significant event in the political history of the state.
No doubt the date marks another significant mile stone in the chequered history of kogi state political process, economic development and social cohesion of its citizens.
Many politicians describe the date as a reflection of a renewed hope for the emergence of new democratic dispensation that will ginger more development in the state.
The brightful day witnessed the swearing-in of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the 6th democratically elected governor of kogi state.
The President,Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima at the occasion which also attracted who is who in the social economic and political realm of kogi and Nigeria in general.
Ododo, the immediate past Auditor General (local government) in the state, was elected on the platform of the All.Progressives Party,APC on November 11,2023 as the governor of the state.
He took over the mantle of leadership of the state from His predecessor and political mentor,,Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello,who governed the state for two terms(2016-2024).
Shortly after being sworn by the Chief Judge of the state,Justice Josiah Majebi in the full glare of mammoth and elated crowd ,Governor Ododo,in his acceptance speech,did not leave the people of the state in suspense as to his thrust of his administration for them for the next four years.
He hit the ground running, first with a promise to embark on people-oriented programmes and projects that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.
He also pledged to govern the people with the fear of God, assuring them that he would not be “an ethnic governor.”
Ododo said that rather,he and his committed lieutenants would work assiduously to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people vowing that “the era of bitter politics is over,” with him as number one political leader of the state.
The governor also promised that Kogi,under his administration,would become a hub for economic growth in line with President Tinubu’s renewed economic policies.
The governor presented the names of his commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval at his inaugural ceremony, depicting a governor in a hurry to kick start administration.
According to him,his administration would not waste time in making the state a tourism destination and investment hub for local and foreign investors.
According to him,his government will build and consolidate on the solid foundation laid by the administration of the immediate past Governor Yahaya Bello,whose administration is noted for many “legacy projects”.
He was quick in reminding the people of the state on the need for them to stem the tide of greed, be prepared to make hard choices and cooperate with his administration to make his dream of a new dawn for the people a reality.
The governor ,who vowed that there would no longer be politics of bitterness in the state as taught by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu,urged all kogites, irrespective of political differences to join hands with him in building a vibrant Kogi.
It is generally agreed by political gladiators that 100-day is too short to give an effective X-ray of the current administration in the state in its efforts to fulfil its electioneering promises to the people.
However,various comments from the people and organizations point to the fact that ,Ododo has so far carved a niche for himself in the governance of kogi state by taking some positive steps for the welfare of the people.
Mr.Otori Ozigi, a journalist and PR Consultant,who shares this view in his article entitled,”Redefining the art of good governance”, expressed optimism that ” the youthful governor is on course to deliver quality and purposeful leadership for the people of the state.
According to him,Ododo looks very much in a hurry to achieve total consolidation and continuity of the legacies of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello in the next four years.
He, however, solicits support of the people for the Ododo-led government to succeed in the task of entrenching the spirit of continuity in government and enhance good governance in Kogi State.
“Let’s play our individual and collective supportive roles for the government of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to achieve a robust and prosperous state that would be a pride of all Kogites”,Ozigi further urged the citizens.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council aligns with with Ozigi in one of their Congress meetings in Lokoja.
In their communique signed Alhaji Saidu Adamu, the Chairman and the Secretary, Mr.Segun Owonibi respectively, NUJ commended Ododo for commencing the process of governing the state on a good note.
The journalists cited the successful distribution of palliatives to the people among other efforts,to buttress their point.
While launching the first palliative distribution under his leadership, the governor urged the well to do individuals in the state to allow the poor get their share of the palliative so that they could breathe in the current harsh economic reality of the state and the nation at large.
Ouite conscious of the security as perhaps number one problem besetting the state, the governor did not waste in providing lasting solution to the menace that has claimed many lives and destroyed properly worth millions of naira.
Few days into office, Governor Ododo launched a security initiative aimed at taming the upsurge in emerging criminal activities in Lokoja, the state capital and major towns in Kogi state.
Code named Metropolitan Quick Response, the security operation is in partnership with the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police and the joint task force of security agencies in the state.
Flaging off of the initiative at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Ododo restated the commitment of his administration to deal decisively with criminals in the state.
He noted that the safety and security of lives and property of the people of Kogi state remained a top priority of his administration, stressing that nothing would be spared to ensure that the people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Today, we are flagging off the Metropolitan Quick Response (MQR) to advance our efforts in the safety and security of lives and property in Lokoja metropolis and beyond.
“The flag off of the Metropolitan Quick Response operation is part of the evolving security measures to ensure we have a safe environment and to build on the solid foundation of our security architecture in the state.
“As a government, we are resolute in our determination to flush out criminal elements in every nook and cranny of Kogi State.
“Nothing will be spared to guarantee safety and security in every inch of the state and Kogi state will remain unsafe for criminal elements whereever they may be,” Governor Ododo vowed .
He, therefore,called on citizens of the state to be proactive, remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies in the state to enable them nip security breaches in the bud.
The Governor promised to continue to prioritize technological enablers to enhance capability of security personnel in intelligence gathering to enable them combat emerging security threats in the state.
On April 26, 2024,Ododo released several vehicles to vigilante groups to boost their operation in the fight against criminals elements in the state.
At the occasion expressed optimism that the operational security vehicles, the first installment of several hundreds to be provided over the next few weeks, would advance the safety and security of lives and property in all parts of the state.
He described the event as one of the most significant operational responses of his administration to the recent upsurge in criminal activities in some parts of the state.
He noted:”Today’s event is a further testament to our collective resolve as a government to tackle security challenges in the state head on with enhanced speed and overall efficiency of our security operatives.
“Our efforts to guarantee food security by feeding our people and producing for other states in the country is tied to the security of lives and property and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
“Therefore, our renewed onslaught against criminals in the state will be operational in all communities with the ability to provide 24 hours response by a joint team of vigilante service men and conventional security agencies.
“This is to enhance intelligence gathering and shorter response time to distress calls as a model for community policing in Nigeria.”
Governor Ododo called on the federal government to assist the state in tackling insecurity and incessant flooding in some parts of the state
The Governor made the call when he received a delegation of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal commission, RMAFC at the Government House, Lokoja.
He noted that as a transit state that shares border with 10 other states, Kogi is in need of improved financial intervention from the federal government to address insecurity and flooding which he noted could impact negatively on neighbouring states, if not addressed.
Kogi State Governor Ododo on Saturday, less than 24 hours to his 100 days in office, stormed communities previously overtaken by criminal elements in Omala Local Government area with a commitment Area of the state to clear all criminal enclaves.
The governor,who visited Bagaji-Odo, Agojeju-Ododo and Bagana communities which have been targeted by assailants in recent times,promised to facilitate the establishment of Forward Operation Base by the Nigerian Army in the area in line with the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confront security challenges in all parts of Nigeria.
While in Bagana, according to his Special Adviser on media Ismaila Isa, Governor Ododo decried the senseless killings and destruction of property in the community due to excessive greed and selfish interests of some leaders in the community who allegedly invite criminals from neighbouring communities to attack perceived enemies.
He promised to restore peace to Bagana community, assuring the residents that all those behind attacks in Bagana would not go unpunished.
Responding,the caretaker chairman of Omala local government, Mark Edibo, said the conflict over control of natural resources led to the unrest that had brought wanton destruction of lives and property upon Bagana community and appealed to Governor Ododo to come to the aid of the community by providing enabling environment to restore the once thriving economy in the area.
Earlier during his visit to Agojeju-Ododo, Governor Ododo sympathized with the people of the community over recent spate of attacks that claimed lives and property in the community.
He promised to make wide ranging interventions in the area, by addressing security lapses in the community and the construction of Idrisu-Okpotala-Bagaji-Odo-Agojeju-Odo road, to ensure security of farmlands and access to markets for farm produce in the area.
In his remarks, the Atta Igala, His Royal Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa commended Governor Ododo for identifying with the people of Omala and assured him of the continued support of the people of the state.
In his address of welcome ,the leader of Agojeju-Odo community, Mr Elias Atabor, expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for commiserating with the community and for providing palliative for the people, noting that the Governor is the first serving Governor to have visited the community since the creation of Kogi State.
The administration of Ododo has brought joy to local government workers in the state.
The current administration in the state has been jerking up the percentage salary of council workers from about 30 per cent and by April ,it increased to 85 per cent to the absolute delight of the workers concerned.
Their retirees who have been on pitiable per cent salary also went home smiling for receiving 100 per cent of their monthly pension, first time in many years as well.
Confirming the cheering news the cheering news ,the Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners,Engr. Clement Ohida, expressed “deepest appreciation” to Gov. Ododo for restoring the payment of 100% pension to local government pensioners after several years of percentage payment.
Engr.Ohida, who gave the appreciation while speaking with journalists in Lokoja on the sideline of the 2024 Workers’ Day, expressed gratitude to the Governor for listening to the plea of pensioners at the local government level.
He said:” We thank Gov. Ododo for bringing us to this level of payment of 100% pension, after several years. By this feat, he has proven to be pensioners’ friendly and we are not taking it for granted.
“The Union has been agitating for this level of payment for quite sometime and we are pleased that it has been effected by the April payment of pension by Gov. Ododo.”
Not long ago, the governor visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to brief him on the security situation in the state and measures has taken so far to combat food security among other issues.
He told the president that
his administration had consistently improved on the security architecture in the state to enhance performance in securing lives and property in all parts of the state.
Governor Ododo assured the president of his commitment to ensure food security in the state with the clearing of hectares of land and subsidy for farmers in the state to boost food production, improve processing facilities and access to market.
Responding,President Tinubu commended Governor Ododo for his impressive start to life in office as the Governor of Kogi State and assured of his continued support for the Governor in his efforts to transform the state.
The modest start in governance by Ododo,which has received accolades in many quarters notwithstanding,some citizens believe that the Ododo government has more rivers to cross to be able to steer the ship of the state prosperity.
In their patriotic efforts and zeal assist the current administration to succeed, various groups and individuals use the governor’s100 days in office to avail him pieces of advice on the way forward.
Members of United Progressive Political Parties in Kogi State urged Ododo to be magnanimous in victory and unite kogites to ensure smooth sail of governance that would benefit of all and Sundry.
“Our appeal to all the political parties, especially the APC, is to be magnanimous in victory by demonstrating the policy of all inclusive governance as exemplified by our distinguished President, His Excellency Sen.Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”the group said.
“All political party candidates should also come together to build a kogi of our dream, where ethnicity, religion and sectionalism will have no place of pride thrive.
“Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of APC should extend a hand of fellowship to all the political parties that struggled through the process of becoming the governor of our state to present their agenda for the development of kogi state,” the group further advised.
Idris Bala Abdulgafar, who spoke on behalf of the group during a world press conference in Lokoja, reminded the people that without peace, there would be no meaningful development.
The group said the overriding principle is to bring a change for better.
It also urged Ododo to build on uniting the state where the three senatorial districts would be treated fairly without any oita of sentiments, adding,”united we start,divided we fail.”
In his submission, the Executive Director , Conscience for Human Rights & Conflict Resolution, CHRCR,Idris Miliki, thanked God for Ododo’s life.
“If nothing at all, we should thank God for Governor Ododo being alive to mark to witness 100 days in office as the governor of kogi state,”he prayed.
He commended the Governor for giving priority to palliative distribution, prompt payment of workers’salary increase percentage salary of local government workers by 85 per cent and paying of 100 percent monthly to retirees at the local government councils.
He reminded Ododo that his good start in governance of the state notwithstanding, he has more rivers to cross.
He called on the Governor to constitute various committees on critical sectors of the state economy to assist the government to effectively deliver on its electioneering promises to the people.
He needs elders, economic and security committees, independent of his cabinet members to make positive input to his policies and programmes for the benefit of kogites, irrespective political affliction.
There is also an imperative by this government to organize conference or retreat for the cabinet members and other top government functionary.
According to him, Kogi state is blessed with men and women of timber calibre with brilliant ideas which they can avail his administration on how to present and implement his agenda for good good governance.
The human rights expert added that ideas and experiences drivable from such retreat would help determine and ensure the success of his Ododo’s philosophy to governance of the state.and set his agenda before the people abd form a formidable blue print for meaningful development of the state.
Miliki noted with concern that Kogi is in dire need of vibrant housing, healthcare, transportation and blue economy, adding that ideas for the realisation of noble policy objectives can best emerge from such gathering of patriotic Kogites who have earned reputation for themselves in various sectors of the economy of the country.
The human rights expert beliefs that constitution of various committees would help the current administration either right the wrong of the past administration,if any or help the new government project forward
“To me, he did one thing that I am impressed with, immediately he was inaugurated,he announced the names of his commissioner-nominees and sent their names to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
“To me, it is to say that I can’t do this job alone,come and let us start together.
“It is also an indication to the fact that you cannot be inaugurated and for 3 months, you say you don’t know who to be your commissioner. Then why did you contest for election in the first place.
He also commended the Governor for distributing palliatives to people, particularly the poor.
“Vehicles have been distributed in the area of security.The impressive aspect of that , Ododo started from the lowest level- vigilante that had direct bearing on the grassroots.
“This is a good step in the right direction as it will go along in effectively checking activities of criminal elements in various communities in the state.
“It is to be noted that for the 100 days in the life of Ododo administration, Kogi state has not witnessed much crisis as far as civil service is concerned.
Miliki stressed the need for Governor Ododo to create his own identity in the annal of governance of kogi state, despite his intimate relationship with his political mentor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
No matter how close he is to the former governor,he is the person at the leadership of the state, he needs to create the is image upon which the people will judge at the end of his tenure as the governor.
“Ododo must create an identity for himself and the way he can do is by his initiative.You can consolidate or complete started by the previous administration has done but you must give your self an identity,”he advised.
He needs elders, economic and security committees independent of his cabinet members.
Think of organizing conference or retreat for the cabinet members and sone top government functionaries to help determine and ensure the success of his own philosophy to governance of the state.and set his agenda before the people this will form a formidable blue print for meaningful development of the state in the area of housing, healthcare, transportation among others.
“Ododo must create an identity for himself and the way he can do is by his initiative.You can consolidate or complete startex by the previous administration has done but you must give your self an identity.
He created ministry of housing but the ministry must hit ground running
“He should be able to give the state an evaluation point upon which the judge the performance of his administration.
Apart from Miliki, there are other kogites who hold the opinion that the current administration in the state should set up price control board to check the Shylock traders who hike the prices of food stuffs and other essential items beyond the limit of inflation. They argued that while inflation bites harder, the rate at which traders sell their goods has gone beyond the purchasing capacity of the common man in Lokoja and elsewhere in the state.
They also draw the attention of the state government to the current scarcity of potable water in most parts of Lokoja and other local government areas, adding that provision of such essential commodity means much to the social and economic life of the people, besides being critical to public health.
Civil servants, globally ,are the engine room of any government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC, in Kogi state, Comrade Gabriel Amari, therefore, used the occasion of the 2024 May Day to table the problems affecting the state workers, in the face of the stark economic reality in the state and the country at large to the governor.
Responding,Ododo promised to set up committee to look into the problem of the workers for solution.
The demands of the state workers,Amari added, include; implementation of wage award, implementation of previous agreements on promotions,leave bonus, annual increment and other allowances, harmonization of salary disparities in the health sector among others.
He, however, showered encomiums on the governor for taking some steps such as notable improvement in the salary of local government workers, hoping that the feat would significantly enhance their standard of living and stimulate economic activities in the rural areas
In all, it can be said that the present administration led by Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, given the comments from strata of the society,has started on a good footing.
All that is left for the governor, according political analysts,is for him to tighten all loose ends and formulate policy and programmes that will enable him consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and chart a cause that will value to governance for the improvement in material condition of kogites.
The analysts express optimism that if this is done, the state government will steer the ship of the state to greater heights in terns of human, capital and infrastructural development and take kogi to the realm of prosperity and desired social economic political development,sooner than later.
Ahmed, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors,NGE,publishes The Reporters.