Idris Miliki, a prominent activist in Kogi State, has strongly criticized Governor Yahaya Bello for neglecting to conduct local government elections before the previous council chairmen’s tenure expired.
During a one-day post-2023 governorship election review meeting for political parties in Kogi State held in Lokoja, Miliki, who serves as the Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), expressed his disapproval of the governor’s inaction.
Miliki emphasized that Governor Bello let down the people of Kogi State by depriving them of the opportunity to democratically elect grassroots leaders. He condemned the non-publication of the results of the local government election held three years ago by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC).
“The elected local government chairmen’s tenure expired today, on the 14th of December 2023. With their term concluded, they would be handing over to the Directors of Local Government (DLGs). It is our fundamental right to participate in the selection of our local government leaders, and imposition is unacceptable,” Miliki stated.
He proclaimed, “We will not forgive Governor Yahaya Bello for denying us the chance to elect local government chairmen. His failure affects not only me but also the entire populace of Kogi State, despite being a beneficiary of the election.”
Miliki’s reproach highlights the disappointment and disenchantment felt by many Kogi residents towards the state government’s dereliction in facilitating a crucial democratic process.
This reproach serves as a reminder of the importance of grassroots democracy and the need for accountability in ensuring the voice of the people is not silenced.
