Former political appointees who served under ex-Governor Idris Wada in Kogi State have appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to pay their three months’ salary arrears, citing the need to meet school fee obligations as the academic term resumes later this month.
The appeal was conveyed in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Lokoja and signed by Austine Medaiyedu, former Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs.
“I write to request, in the spirit of the Kogi Agenda, that you consider settling our three months’ salary arrears, given the current school fee challenges facing parents,” the statement read.
The former appointees noted that political officers under the Wada administration were initially owed four months’ salaries. Former Governor Yahaya Bello paid one month in January 2024 before leaving office, with a commitment that the Ododo administration would continue the payments.
The group highlighted their support for Ododo during his governorship campaign, stating, “We took the Ododo/Oyibo governorship project as our own, registering as a support group, securing a campaign office, and providing campaign materials across the state.”
The forum also drew attention to a precedent in Ondo State, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved salary arrears for former appointees, urging Ododo to consider a similar approach.
“As key stakeholders in Kogi politics, we assure you of our continued prayers for the success of your administration,” the statement added.
Earlier, on August 28, a forum of former political office holders in Kogi called on Ododo to settle outstanding salary and allowance arrears totaling N2.7 billion, after receiving N2 billion from the N4.7 billion promised by Bello.
The forum’s chairman, Musa Abdullahi, and secretary, Muhammad Omale, traced the delays back to 2014, when the Kogi High Court dissolved local councils—a decision later overturned by the Court of Appeal.
While lamenting the struggles members faced with illness, hunger, and unpaid bills, the group expressed confidence in Ododo’s leadership, praising his achievements in security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They also extended condolences over the recent passing of the governor’s father and congratulated the state on its 34th anniversary.
