The political landscape of Kogi State is marked by a persistent issue of unpaid salaries for former political appointees, creating financial hardship for many and prompting appeals for intervention from the current administration. A group of former political appointees who served under ex-Governor Idris Wada have publicly requested Governor Usman Ododo to settle their outstanding three months’ salary arrears. This plea carries particular urgency as the resumption of school approaches, placing a significant financial burden on parents struggling to afford school fees. The former appointees emphasize the difficult position they find themselves in, unable to meet their parental obligations due to these unpaid salaries. This appeal highlights the human cost of delayed payments and underscores the need for a swift resolution to alleviate the financial strain on these families.
The former appointees’ appeal is framed within the context of their demonstrated loyalty and support for Governor Ododo’s political ambitions. They highlight their active role in his gubernatorial campaign, contributing both time and resources to ensure his victory. They underscore their organization as a formal support group, their procurement of a campaign office, and their distribution of campaign materials such as posters, t-shirts, face caps, and billboards across the state. By emphasizing their commitment to Ododo’s political success, they seek to establish a reciprocal relationship, implying that their past support warrants consideration of their current financial plight. This strategy positions their request not merely as a demand, but as a reasonable expectation within a mutually beneficial political relationship.
The former appointees further strengthen their appeal by referencing a precedent set in Ondo State, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the payment of salary arrears for appointees who served under a previous administration. This example serves as a persuasive argument, suggesting that Governor Ododo should follow suit and demonstrate similar consideration for his own state’s former political servants. By citing a successful case of arrears payment in a neighboring state, the Kogi appointees aim to legitimize their request and nudge Governor Ododo towards a favorable decision. This strategic use of external validation reinforces their plea and provides a tangible example of a viable solution.
Beyond the immediate concern of the three months’ salary arrears owed to the Wada-era appointees, a broader issue of outstanding payments casts a shadow over Kogi State’s political landscape. A larger forum of former political office holders has also appealed to Governor Ododo for the settlement of a substantial sum of N2.7 billion in salary and allowance arrears. This significantly larger figure represents a long-standing debt dating back to 2014, highlighting a chronic problem of delayed payments to former government officials. The context of this broader issue adds weight to the specific appeal of the Wada-era appointees, framing their request within a larger pattern of unresolved financial obligations.
The former office holders’ claims stem from a complex legal battle that began with the dissolution of local councils by the Kogi High Court in 2014. While the Court of Appeal subsequently nullified the High Court’s decision, the initial dissolution triggered a cascade of events leading to the accumulation of unpaid salaries and allowances. The protracted legal proceedings and subsequent bureaucratic hurdles have contributed to the delay in resolving these financial obligations. The former office holders emphasize the hardship they have endured due to these unpaid dues, citing struggles with illness, hunger, and mounting bills. Their financial distress paints a stark picture of the consequences of delayed payments and underscores the urgent need for a resolution.
Despite their financial grievances, the forum of former office holders has publicly expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s leadership, commending his administration’s achievements in various sectors, including security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. This expression of support, even in the midst of their ongoing financial difficulties, suggests a nuanced approach to their appeal. While firmly advocating for their rightful payments, they simultaneously acknowledge the governor’s positive contributions to the state. This balanced approach aims to foster a cooperative relationship with the governor, potentially increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome regarding their outstanding payments. The forum’s message blends a plea for financial redress with a message of goodwill and support for the current administration, strategically navigating the complexities of the political landscape.
