Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo has approved the appointment of 1,192 additional aides, including 165 Senior Special Assistants and 574 Ward Special Assistants. The decision, effective September 1, 2024, has sparked criticism regarding the necessity of such a large staff amid economic challenges in the state.
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo has made headlines with his recent decision to approve the appointment of 1,192 additional aides, sparking a mix of reactions among residents and political observers. The announcement was made through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, on Monday.
Among the newly appointed aides is Yakubu Abdulhakeem, who will serve as the Executive Secretary for the Kogi State Office for Disability. The extensive list of appointments includes 165 Senior Special Assistants and 36 Special Assistants. Additionally, there are 574 Ward Special Assistants and 290 Local Government Special Assistants, showcasing a significant increase in the state’s political staff.
The statement also revealed that Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulsadiq has been appointed as the Director of Protocol for the First Lady’s Office, further expanding the governor's circle of aides. All appointments are set to take effect on September 1, 2024.
This latest move by Governor Ododo has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the necessity of such a large number of aides, especially given the state's economic challenges. Critics argue that the appointments may not effectively address the pressing issues faced by Kogi residents, such as inadequate salaries and basic infrastructure.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the governor's decision. One user expressed skepticism about the rationale behind the appointments, questioning how the governor could justify such an expansion in staff while failing to meet the state’s wage obligations. Another user cynically remarked that the number of aides could surpass the population of Kogi State itself.
As Governor Ododo's administration continues to implement significant changes, the implications of this large-scale appointment will be closely monitored by both supporters and detractors. Many are eager to see whether these additions will translate into improved governance and service delivery for the people of Kogi State or if they will merely serve to bolster the political apparatus at the expense of addressing the citizens’ needs.
