The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Governor Usman Ododo to disclose the state’s total workforce and wage bill. The party argues that such transparency is vital for citizens to gain a better understanding of the state’s financial management and administrative practices.
In a statement released by state publicity secretary Alhaji Tijani Aruwa, the PDP criticized the current administration for its lack of openness, likening its governance to that of a “secret agency.” The party expressed concerns over the public being largely uninformed about financial activities and decisions that directly impact their lives.
Aruwa stated, “The people of Kogi State deserve to know the truth about their government’s financial dealings. Governor Ododo must provide accurate figures regarding the state workforce and the total wage bill. This information is crucial for accountability and to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively.”
The PDP further lamented what it described as Governor Ododo’s extravagant spending, noting that he has reportedly allocated over two billion naira to renovate his office. This raised eyebrows among party officials, who drew comparisons between Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, suggesting that the current administration’s governance style is not significantly different.
The party cautioned citizens against being misled by assertions regarding salary payments, highlighting that Kogi State reportedly has one of the lowest numbers of civil servants at both local and state levels. They contended that the administration seems to be operated by a select few prioritizing their interests over the well-being of the general populace.
“It is imperative that the government provide comprehensive public disclosure of its financial activities and the true state of the workforce. Only then can we begin to restore trust and accountability in our governance,” Aruwa concluded.
