Must Read: Kogi, A State Governed Like A Coin Toss

For personal reasons, I resolved to slow the pace of my objections and criticism of the the Alhaji Yahaya Bello led government of Kogi State. However, whenever the breath of a seeming new leaf is in the air, the old ways surface and I can’t stop wondering why and when the government will get it right.

For the avoidance of doubt, the worst impression that any sane government and people must never let to interwoven them is mistrust but this has become the trade mark of the new direction government. I read with hopes and optimism a Facebook post by the chief press secretary to the alias white lion governor of Kogi State when she confidently expressed that all salaries and arrears shall be cleared latest March 31, 2017.

While pessimists and some notable opposition figures maintained with some even vowing that Kogi State was broke, u chose the part of fair judgment by giving the government a benefit of doubt considering the source and optimism expressed in the post said above. Alas, less than a week to the said deadline, reversed turned the case as those who never believed in the tendency of sincerity from the digital government got vindicated.

This development did not just shock me but kept me wondering whether Kogi State has been turned into a state(government) of coin toss. Recall elementary sports where toss is often used to determine the fate of who shall posses ball at the kick off. Despite the abysmal hunger, locked schools, shut down business activities and the prevailing hardship screening has caused the state large population, it beats my imagination for a government that is made up by cooperate branded “Godly politicians” to be playing pranks with the citizens welfare.

At first, it was a December 20 deadline, like a smoke wave it escaped criticism and December 20 came without honour to the oath. Then, a February 27 deadline was widely circulated without fulfilment on grounds of quite convincing excuses and this gave way for March 31 with which many people have so hoped for only to be extended by three weeks. With these antecedents of insincerity, the question begging for answers now is; can the three week extension be trusted?

While the answer shall only be determined by the test of time, the time is now right to say Kogites had better find other means of livelihood than relying on hopes coming from the government. The state has been sieged with too many distractions that evidently signifies little or no hope for the common man. Schools are closed, businesses are retarding, youths are turning bet kingpins, immoralities are turning business and no hope seem to be in offing. The earlier one adjusts, the better therefore. Moreover, in the end, all man shall carry his cross before the Lord!

Written by Comrade A. M. Nasir
naadejohs@gmail.com
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