Kogi and its wise elders

Recently, Kogi State elders came out to express their mind on happenings in the state. To their minds, the state is not making appreciable impact like other states in the country.

Since the election of the present government of Captain Wada, we cannot point to any physical development the state has witnessed; hence the elders came out to say their minds at the right time to arrest the drift. Any lover of Kogi State would not be happy with the present situation of the state.

When the governor came on board, there were great expectations that he would right all the wrongs associated with the past government under former Governor Ibrahim Idris. But what we are witnessing today stem from man-made disaster and natural causes which have greatly affected the strides of development.

The administration of Captain Wada should look critically into all the issues raised by the elders and come to terms with the reality needed to move the state forward. He should not consider these elders as enemies.

Many people are at present not happy with the look of things in the state; he should consider this opportunity from the elders as true reflection of things that need to be addressed in all ramifications.

Kogi State is now the focus of the entire country due to what happened during the recent flood, resulting from the failure of the past government to address the issue of ecology.

The government has an over-bloated executive, with some recycled and expired political members drafted to serve as special assistants. This has made the government a laughing stock in the eyes of the public. He should understand that the state is in dire need of purposeful leadership, he should be focused and visionary enough to ensure the state is reckoned with amongst fast developing states in the country.

The state as of now cannot boast of good transportation system like other states. The roads are deplorable, especially in Lokoja, the state capital. We cannot boast of a state- owned television station after 21 years!

The state owned newspaper remains a weekly without a printing press; the paper has to be taken to Ibadan for production.

Lokoja is not any better in term of infrastructural development, it remains the only state capital without functional street light. The plight of the state is too numerous to mention. These are what the elders deemed fit to draw the attention of the world to. Recently, the state House of Assembly made history by producing two Speakers all under the tenure Governor Wada.

The peaceful nature of the people of the state has contributed a lot to the seeming tranquillity and understanding being enjoyed without recourse to people carrying placard demanding that things be done accordingly. It is time to act before they revolt.

By Bala Nyashi,

Lokoja.