State governors must face scrutiny like national leaders – Okai

Activist and political analyst, Usman Okai Austin, has urged Nigerians to direct their scrutiny and accountability demands towards their state governors with the same fervor they apply to questioning members of the National Assembly and the Presidency.
Okai emphasized the need for citizens to engage their governors on pressing issues affecting their states, particularly in light of the current economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
In a statement he issued on Saturday, Okai said: “If only we can hold our governors accountable the way we question our National Assembly members and the presidency, we might see a significant change in governance at the state level.”
While acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu, despite not being his preferred choice, has made efforts to explain his policies and decisions, Okai pointed out the lack of transparency and accountability from many state governors.
“The President has faced scrutiny and has, on several occasions, addressed the nation regarding his policies. Senate presidents have openly expressed their positions on national issues, and many lawmakers provide accounts of their stewardship. But what about our governors?” he questioned.
Okai lamented that state governors often evade public discourse, particularly on issues related to economic hardship and governance.
“Many of them are quick to blame the President for the nation’s challenges, yet they fail to disclose vital information about their states. How much funding comes into the state in terms of federal allocations, intervention funds, and internally generated revenue? What is the state wage bill, and how is state income and expenditure managed?” he asked.
He highlighted a growing public outcry regarding the financial entitlements of senators, noting that while they earn significant sums, many lawmakers are increasingly engaging with their constituents.
“People are calling for the prosecution of senators for earning 21 million naira a month as running costs. Today, senators are even more in contact with their people than the governors. I am not excusing the lawmakers, but the reality is that some of them go home every week to address the needs of their constituents.
“What about the governors? They are accused of looting security votes, siphoning local government funds, misappropriating state assembly entitlements, and denying state judges and their staff their rightful benefits,” he added.
He further challenged the governors to be more transparent with their constituents.
“How many governors are bold enough to open their state books for public scrutiny? It is time for citizens to demand answers and hold their governors accountable for their actions and inactions,” he urged.
“Our governors must be held to the same standards as our national leaders. It is our right and responsibility as citizens to ensure that our leaders are working for us,” Okai said.
State governors must face scrutiny like national leaders – Okai