Friday, August 26, will be a day the Kogi state governor will want to forget as soon as possible.
The governor, Yahaya Bello, was reportedly stoned after Juma'at service in the Central Mosque, Old Market. The reason adduced for that action was that the governor was spending a lot of money on the celebration of Kogi at 25 (which holds today, August 27) rather than pay them salaries owed to them. The governor has come out to deny that he was stoned. Though he admitted some skirmishes, adding that the attack was politically motivated by his detractors. But the issue with his claim is that he didn't respond to the allegations- is he spending lavishly on Kogi state's silver jubilee celebration when he is owing workers salaries?
While I cannot justify the act of stoning the governor because it is treasonous, punishable with death, the problem here is that of financial recklessness. If the people's allegation is true, then it is most unfortunate. Why will you spend state resources lavishly when you have not paid them their salaries? In any case, is there a reason to celebrate when the people are suffering? There should be some level of prudence. Last year, President Buhari had a less elaborate Independence day celebration unlike other years in view of the economic situation of the country. I'm not saying there must be no celebration, but it must be toned down in view of the present realities. Acting otherwise gives people the impression that their governor is insensitive to their plight. The money that would have been saved if the event was toned down could have been used to pay some salaries.
This is one reason why people refuse to believe that there is no money. If the people must prepare for austere measures, their leaders must lead the way.
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