Governor Usman Ododo’s recent appointment of 1,192 aides is a clear example of governance that is out of touch with the realities on the ground.
Development Diaries reports that the secretary to the government of Kogi State, Folashade Ayoade, in a statement, announced the appointment of the aides.
No doubt, this appointment spree undermines the ongoing efforts across the country to reduce the cost of governance.
There have been various reactions to this development which is expected because this is needless at a time when the state is grappling with limited resources and struggling to meet the basic needs of its citizens.
1,192 additional aides? Is this a joke? Kogi State’s resources should be used to improve the lives of citizens, not to create unnecessary jobs for political loyalists! What’s the justification for this? Ghost workers!
— Abdulrasheed Ajia🫶 (@olah_ajia) August 20, 2024
If they were all being paid only the new minimum wage that’s a monthly payroll of N83.4m for aides alone, many of whom will not have any clearly defined role. But many of them will earn higher than minimum wage.
— Ṣeyi (@ThreeLeftThumbs) August 20, 2024
Such a bloated government structure only serves to increase the financial strain on the state’s coffers.
This move by the governor signals a lack of fiscal responsibility and raises questions about the governor’s commitment to prudent management of public funds.
In a state where essential services such as health care, education, and infrastructure are grossly underfunded, the decision to expand the government workforce by such a staggering number is both impractical and unjustifiable.
The cost of maintaining these additional aides, including salaries, allowances, and other benefits, will only deepen the financial challenges facing Kogi State.
This is a classic case of misplaced priorities, where the focus should instead be on streamlining governance and channeling resources toward sectors that directly impact the lives of the citizens.
Moreover, with Nigeria’s economic challenges showing no signs of abating, it is imperative for state governments to adopt austerity measures and prioritise efficient resource management.
Governor Ododo’s actions, however, run contrary to this national imperative, and instead of setting an example of fiscal discipline, Kogi State risks becoming a symbol of wasteful governance.
Development Diaries calls on Governor Ododo to reconsider this decision in light of the economic realities and prioritise the efficient use of existing resources, streamline government operations, and focus on sustainable initiatives that will directly benefit the people of Kogi State.
Photo source: Usman Ododo
