Kogiflame
The Confluence Nigerian Political Party (CNPP) and Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has berated the nonchalant attitude of the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to the economic challenges faced by citizens.
This was contained in a separate press statement issued on Sunday by the two bodies which was made available to Kogiflame
In a statement signed by the chairman, Kabir Muhammed and Secretary, Mouktar Atima, CNPP said the only visible achievement of the Bello-led administration is its proven expertise in organising birthday parties and photo-ops with celebrities.
CNPP noted that the recent consumer price index report released by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) last week Tuesday should be of serious concern to Kogi state government.
“Last week, NBS report showed that food prices were highest in Kogi state in the month of May. Same report showed that neighbouring Edo and Ekiti states recorded lowest increase in the same month.
“The latest NBS report makes it fourth month in a row that Kogi is topping the unenviable chart as the state with the highest increase in prices of commodities.
“In the face of the this alarming trend that affects the livelihood of our people, Governor Bello is only interested in social and political jamborees,” the statement read.
CNPP stated that it obvious that the Governor Bello-led administration is clueless on how to approach the emerging economic realities in the state.
“The NBS report said the food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi at 32.82 per cent while neighbouring Abuja at 16.91 per cent recorded the slowest rise in year-on-year inflation in the country.
“While neighbouring States and the FCT are fairing better, Kogi State Government remains clueless as to the cause of the biting inflation in Kogi.
“Till date, the state government has not mentioned the issue not to talk of evaluating the situation and proffering solutions. All we see and hear is birthday celebration and fruitless engagements with celebrities.
“Go to any market in Kogi and compare prices of food stuff and other essential commodities with what is obtainable in other states and you will be surprised. Make further enquiries on how much each commodity was sold last month and you will confirm the sad reality the people of Kogi state are faced with.
“This is a state where local government workers, teachers and pensioners are being paid in ridiculous percentages. This is same state where local businesses are struggling to stay afloat because of unfavourable policies of the same government. How do we expect the masses to cope?
“There is serious and growing hunger in Kogi state. This is a time bomb that must be attended to immediately.”
The coalition of political parties called on Governor Bello to “outgrow childish tendencies and face the reality of real governance”.
Similarly, the Executive Director
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR),
Lokoja Kogi State, Comrade Idris Miliki has said that the live television activities that was withnessed during the 46 birthday ceremony of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is worrisome.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday which was made available to Kogiflame in Lokoja.
His words, “More importantly when such activities is not and have never been associated with any direct benefits to kogi State. Such as commissioning of projects, visitation to orhanage homes, projects sites etc etc.
“How many projects have the governor initiate and commissioned on a live television? It’s show clearly that it’s a private Business at public Expense which is regrettable and unfortunate
“As at today kogi State have no television of its own the 21 century, despite this government in kogi State have received not less than Four hundred billions Naira, five, but collosal amount is being spent on national and privately owned television stations without direct benefits to kogi State and it’s people.
