Promoters of protests enemies of Nigeria, says Kogi gov

The Kogi State Government has promised to abide by the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.

It also said that those who are calling for a nationwide protest at this time are enemies of Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Informatio, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, the state capital, shortly after stakeholders meeting with members of the All Progressive Congress.

According to him, the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, also said that the state government under his leadership will ensure that democracy and continued autonomy of Kogi Local Government Councils stands.

The governor reiterated the readiness of his administration to strengthen democracy at the local government level.

Ododo said the October 19, 2024, local government election in the state will be free, fair and credible, urging stakeholders to encourage women’s participation in the election.

“I urge our party to give a good space for women’s participation. I am not expecting less than 40 per cent of the legislative seats at the local government level to go to our women. They vote massively during elections and it is high time we brought them to the decision-making table as a state.

“Under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, we were able to get 30 per cent of women’s representation. We should push it to 40 per cent in the next election. I also wish to encourage candidates who emerge to run for the chairmanship seats to nominate Women as their running mates.

“I will not impose any candidate. Let the people go and decide who represents them in their various local government areas and wards. When elected, I urge the councillors to also consider women as their council leaders. We are a state known for women’s inclusion and we must continue to push the women forward to the decision-making corridors,” he said.

The governor also urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu, saying he is doing more than enough to get the country back on track.

“Our President is working hard day and night to make our nation better. Protests won’t bring food. We are working hard to ensure food prices crash in the next couple of months. Anyone promoting destructive protests at this time is an enemy of Nigeria,” he said.

Ododo also used the occasion to confirm the fact that Kogi Local Government Councils have been autonomous since 2016, saying the difference now is that Local Government Councils’ allocations will now go directly into their accounts.

He urged the Local Government Councils to justify the efforts of Mr President by touching the lives of people at the grassroots.