Kogi appointees urge Governor Ododo to clear salary arrears to ease school fee burdens. They cite loyalty and appeal for fair treatment
Kogi Appointees have appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to fulfill promises of clearing their outstanding salary arrears.
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The former aides, who served under ex-Governor Idris Wada, say that the payment of three months’ salary will offer urgent relief as schools resume this month.
In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday in Lokoja, Austine Medaiyedu, a former Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs, spoke on behalf of the group.
He pleaded with Governor Ododo to act in the spirit of the “Kogi Agenda” and help struggling families meet back-to-school expenses.
“Please consider the payment of our three months’ salary arrears.
Many of us are parents battling with current school fees challenges,” the statement read in part.
The forum recalled that four months of salaries were left unpaid during the Wada administration.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello had cleared one month in January 2024 and assured the remaining would be handled by his successor.
The group also emphasized their political loyalty, noting their active support for the Ododo/Oyibo campaign.
They registered as an official support group, opened a campaign office commissioned by the deputy governor, and provided branded campaign materials statewide.
Citing recent actions by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa—who cleared similar arrears for aides of ex-Governor Mimiko—they urged Ododo to follow the precedent.
They also reiterated a previous appeal made on August 28, where they requested the payment of a total ₦2.7 billion in salary and allowance arrears.
The group noted that their contributions to Kogi’s political landscape have long gone underappreciated, and some members are facing hunger, illness, and unpaid bills.
Despite their plight, the forum expressed continued confidence in Governor Ododo, praising his efforts in security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
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They also extended condolences over the loss of his father and congratulated him on Kogi’s 34th anniversary.
