The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has criticized Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for appointing an additional 1,192 aides, calling it a “misplaced priority.”
The appointments were confirmed in a Monday statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade. According to the statement, the new appointees include Yakubu Nasir Abdulhakeem as the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability, 165 Senior Special Assistants, and 36 Special Assistants. Additionally, 574 Ward Special Assistants and 290 Local Government Special Assistants were appointed. Governor Ododo also named Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulsadiq as the Director of Protocol for the First Lady’s Office, along with several other aides.
However, the SDP has criticized the appointments as unnecessary. David Ijele, Director of Media for the SDP campaign in Kogi State, condemned the move, arguing that the state should prioritize paying its workers rather than creating more political appointments. “They haven’t paid those who laboured for the state, yet they are employing youths to be used as thugs,” Ijele said.
Ijele further asserted that Governor Ododo’s time in office is limited, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court will soon rule in favor of the SDP candidate, Yakubu Ajaka. “The Constitution is very clear on BVAS, and we believe the Supreme Court will give justice to the people of Kogi State and chase these charlatans out of Lugard House,” Ijele declared.
