The Digest:
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has openly declared that he runs a “working cabal” within his administration, a structure he credits to his predecessor, Yahaya Bello. Framing the term not as a shadowy conspiracy but as a functional inner circle, Ododo argued that effective governance relies on such concentrated power blocs, provided they deliver results.
Key Points:
- Kogi Governor Usman Ododo has openly stated he leads a “working cabal” approved by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
- He contrasted it with the cabal he belonged to under Bello, which he claimed underperformed.
- Ododo argued that efficient governance depends on functional inner circles, saying, “If every cabal can work like this, we should have multiple cabals.”
- He identified the state’s Accountant-General, Habibat Tijani Aliyu, as the cabal’s leader, appointed under Bello.
- Other members include the auditor-general, party chairman, and commissioner for local government.
- Ododo served as auditor-general for local governments under Bello before becoming governor.
- Bello, currently facing an N80.2 billion money laundering charge, handpicked Ododo as his successor.
Sources: The Cable, The Nation
