By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI Accountability Platform (KAP), a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kogi, has called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to fullfil his promise of convening town hall meetings to engage directly with the people.
The Platform which made the call in a communique issued at the end of a one-day quarterly “State of Kogi” meeting in Lokoja urged the governor to start with convening senatorial town hall meetings to gather feedback on his administration.
The Communique signed the KAP Chairman and Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), Mr Hamza Aliyu urged the Governor to keep his promise of periodic interface with the constituent⁰0 through town hall meetings.
The Platform expressed the view that the current administration has demonstrated a genuine commitment to citizen-centered governance through various pronouncements and initiatives and has ensured stability in the polity with reduced tensions.
The Accountability Platform however urged that the promise made by the governor should be duly kept adding that the absence of such town hall meetings was limiting direct citizens’ engagement.
According to the Communique, the Platform is a coalition of over 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), professional organizations, and community-based groups dedicated to monitoring and assessing governance performance in Kogi State.
“Our mission is to enhance civic participation and promote sustainable development through effective service delivery to citizens.”
In line with its mandate and mission, the Platform observed that despite significant budgetary allocations for 2025, many government service providers are falling short of citizens’ expectations.
It called for the overhaul and restructuring of Kogi State Waste Management Agency to implement effective waste disposal systems and establish strategic waste dump sites in Lokoja and other urban areas.
In same vein, it called on the State Ministry of Health to establish a medical waste disposal facility in Lokoja for proper Medical Waste Management, to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The Platform also called on the
the State Ministry of Transportation to develop a mass transit scheme to alleviate transportation challenges faced by citizens, particularly in Lokoja.
“Following the removal of fuel subsidies, the government’s plan for a mass transport system has not materialized, leaving residents vulnerable to exploitative private transport operators”, the Communique added.
It observed that many public schools have continued to impose frivolous fees on parents under the guise of PTA, undermining the government’s commitment to free education.
It therefore, urged the State Ministry of Education to intensify monitoring of school authorities to enforce compliance with free education policies.
KAP also urged the state government to increase budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Water Resources for improved access to potable water statewide.
“Large segments of the population still lack access to potable drinking water, relying on boreholes and streams despite the state’s vast water resources.
“This communique reflects our commitment to fostering accountability and improving governance in Kogi State. We urge the state government to take these recommendations seriously for the betterment of our communities”, the Platform urged. (Ends)
