Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has harped on the appointment of grassroots people for Ward Special Assistants, warning stakeholders against frustrating his efforts.
The Governor who disclosed this known in a statement on Monday, stressed that his administration is determined to take governance back to the grassroots.
In his words: “Sometimes ago, I gave a directive to the effect that every Ward should meet and present three people to represent them in my administration as Ward Special Assistants (WSA).
“In line with our gender sensitivity and deliberate policy for women inclusion, I directed that at least one of the nominees should be a woman.
“Our decision to give the Wards such an opportunity is to take governance back to the grassroots and build a strong link between the government and the people.
“It’s also pertinent to note that we’re determined to ensure those representing our people at the grassroots in my administration stay with them and can easily give us feedback on how best to serve our people in line with our promises.
“Those to be recommended for appointments as WSAs must be people who live permanently with the people at that level. It’s intended to be completely grassroot-based”.
Ododo noted that some Wards have complied with the directive while some others are foot-dragging because of their sinister motives to submit names of people living in Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos and probably their relatives.
He insisted that such a move will not be acceptable, even as he gave an ultimatum of May for Wards which are yet to go through the choice processes to do so or have the Fact Finding Team select the nominees for them.
He said: “Those who are yet to submit their lists have between now and the end of May to do so or our Fact Finding Team that will go round the 239 Wards to verify the processes and how genuine such choices are, will help them organize the Ward meetings and come up with the lists.
“Under my watch and in line with the practice of Mr. President through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the people at the grassroots will remain the most important Stakeholders in our administration. Those who represent their people will be those they have given their mandate to represent them in my government. They must be people who live with them and understand their needs. This is the path we have chosen to take,” he added.
It will be recalled that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had during his inauguration, promised to work with the people at grassroots to return the State to the glory of grassroots participation in governance.
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