“Despite Billions in Allocation, Kogi State Development Stagnates”: PDP Chieftain Okai Raises Alarm

• Kogi PDP chieftain Usman Okai Austin has shared his thoughts on underdevelopment in the state despite increased revenue from the federal government led by Bola Tinubu
• Okai lambasted Governor Usman Ododo for failing to translate increased federal revenue into tangible development in Kogi state
• He stressed the need for the state government to address the mismanagement of public funds amounting to billions of naira and the partial salaries being paid to LG workers while also highlighting the urgent needs of the good people of Kogi state

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

Usman Okai Austin, the House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa in the 2023 elections, has criticized the Kogi State government led by Governor Usman Ododo, for the lack of development despite increased revenue from the federation account since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.

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Okai: "No visible development in Kogi despite federal allocation"

In a statement made available to Legit.ng on Sunday, August 4, Okai noted the growing resentment among Kogites due to perceived government insensitivity to their plight amid harsh economic conditions.

He attributed the people's hardship to the removal of fuel subsidy and the subsequent surge in inflation.

"Despite substantial revenue, citizens question the government's spending, Okai stated.

"There's no visible development in Kogi, unlike neighboring states with similar allocations," Okai added.

Okai, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to hold the government responsible for the mismanagement of public funds.

He also highlighted the plight of local government workers who receive partial salaries despite the state's alleged financial windfall.

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Comparing the current situation to the previous administration, Okai expressed concern over the state's lack of progress under Governor Yahaya Bello's leadership.

Okai, however, urged for a change in governance, calling on Usman Ododo to address the people's needs.

Political activist reacts as Ododo signs anti-corruption bill

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Usman Ododo was urged to uphold the rule of law in his quest to erase corruption in Kogi state.

A political activist in Kogi state, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, made this call as he condemned the 'unjust' application of state power regarding the EFCC's case against Yahaya Bello.

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Comrade Okai urged Ododo to give way for the ‘probe of Yayaya Bello's alleged N80 billion financial crime’.

Source: Legit.ng