By Dada Ahmed.
(A News Analysis)
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In August 2024, Kogi State experienced a significant shift in its political landscape, marked by a substantial increase in political appointments. This month, the state’s political class, including pundits and followers, has witnessed a flurry of activity that has reignited discussions on this political development vis a vis its implication or other wise on the cost of governance in the state,established on August 27, 1991.
A notable headline, “Governor Appoints 717 Ward Special Assistants; Commissioner Explains,” highlights the recent development.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, revealed at a press conference in Lokoja that Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo appointed 717 Ward Special Assistants (WSAs).According to him, the appointments were aimed to “deepen democracy and ensure participatory governance at the grassroots level.”
Fanwo emphasized the Governor’s commitment to bridging the gap between the government and local communities. The new appointments,he added, were intended to address past issues where previous Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants had limited interaction with local populations. By positioning individuals who live and work in their respective wards as the Governor’s direct representatives, the administration seeks to foster a closer connection with the people, according to him.
Addressing concerns about the cost of governance, Fanwo who assured that the appointment of WSAs would not increase cost of governance,explained that the salary of one Senior Special Assistant has been distributed among three Ward Special Assistants, thus keeping costs manageable.
Each of the 239 wards will have at least three state officials, with minimized salaries and allowances, reflecting a prudent approach to resource management,he further revealed.
Fanwo urged residents to use the WSAs to provide feedback and monitor government projects effectively, stressing that the appointment is part of the ongoing efforts to build on the previous administration’s legacy of grassroots empowerment, with a focus on rural development and agricultural support.
Also,the Governor has made 1,102 further appointments, including 165 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), 36 Special Assistants (SAs), 574 Ward Special Assistants (WSAs), and 290 Local Government Special Assistants (LGSAs).
Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, the Secretary to the Government, in a statement,announced the appointment of Yakubu Nasir Abdulhakeem as the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability and Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulsadiq as the Director of Protocol, First Lady’s Office, among other aides with appointments taking effect from September 1, 2024.
Lending voice to the discussion on the issue,Abdulrasaq Ijagbemi,immediate past Chairman of Yagba East LGA and a grassroots politician, describes the appointment of Ward Special Assistants as another opportunity to deepen political and economic growth at the Grassroots level of government.
“The development leading to the appoint of Ward Special Assistants across the 239 Wards of the State is not only a feat unprecedented, but has the propensity to bring development to the grassroots and doorsteps of the people,”he said.
Political appointments, typically based on political connections or party affiliation rather than competitive merit, are designed to streamline the process of filling key roles and ensuring that government positions align with the administration’s goals.
On the other hand, while some argue that political appointments may be undesirable, anchoring their view on not-too-smooth economic pedestal of the the country, prevailing view among the political class is that, these appointments are essential for Governor Ododo to reshape the administration of the state and ensure it aligns his vision and priorities for maximum dividends of democracy for kogites.
This, they believe,is the focus of the Ododo administration administration.
In the final analysis,Kogites urge the governor to use his Supreme Court victory as leverage to build on his progress in good governance and to further demonstrate his commitment by including Muri Ajaka and his group in efforts to advance the state. Conversely, Ajaka should embrace the outcome of the case with good sportsmanship and collaborate with the state for the betterment of Kogi State.
Ahmed, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, publishes The Reporters.
