Since January 27, 2017, when Governor Yahaya Bello assumed office, Kogi State has experienced a lot of changes. His first three appointments reflected the new reality of equity, fairness and justice. Other appointments followed the same pattern, an action that was aimed at addressing the issue of division in the state.
The governor was determined to bring people of the state together while improving their living conditions. Also, as part of efforts to tackle the issue of non-payment of salaries which was the case in the state under the last administration, the governor embarked on staff verification to ensure that only authentic workers are paid.
These efforts paid off as many ghost workers were uncovered. However, at the end of the verification exercise, there were agitations for indicted staff to have an opportunity to defend themselves. The idea was to allow workers state their side of the story.
And the governor granted the demand of the people. He set up an appeal committee to look into complaints emanating from the first screening exercise. While some were cleared, many were not as they did not meet the necessary requirement.
In the course of the screening, those cleared continued to receive their salaries while those with issues had their pay tagged until government was convinced that they deserved to be paid.
The governor went further to pardon some people who were indicted for some offences in order to give more people amnesty and return them to the payroll.
The money saved through the screening exercise is now being used to carry out developmental projects across the state.
Unfortunately, some people who are determined to bring down the government have been spreading lies about the state. The sad part of this development is that those behind these rumours do not care about the effect of their actions on the people and the state.
As stakeholders, we are all allowed to speak up when things are not going well and can even offer advice where necessary, but to engage in constant attacks is counter-productive.
It was to set the records straight that the state government decided to publish the payment updates on its official website. Despite this, critics have continued to attack the government.
The intention of the critics is to make the Kogi State leadership look irresponsible. People should not ridicule Kogi and its people for cheap political gains. Despite the attacks, government will not be deterred, it will continue to work to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. The government is prepared to prosecute those who falsified documents or were used to divert the resources of government.
The state is grateful for the bailout from the Federal Government, but it is also aware of the fact that the gesture cannot be sustained. That is why it is working to improve the agriculture and mining sectors as quick wins to fix the strained finances of the state.
Critics should sheathe their swords as the governor has through his efforts endeared the masses to himself. I call on all well-meaning indigenes and residents of Kogi State to join hands with Governor Yahaya Bello to move the state forward. He has developed a blueprint to confront the challenges and Kogi is truly on the right path to greatness.
We should resist the temptation of bringing down our state. Every state in Nigeria has its own problems. The only way we can build a state of our dream is if we put aside our differences and put Kogi over all considerations.
Fanwo Kingsley wrote from Lokoja, Kogi State.
