The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has come down hard on critics who claimed that the payment of salaries by the Kogi State Governor is not an achievement.
In a social media post, Fanwo argued that while paying salaries may seem like a routine task, it is a significant accomplishment in today’s economic climate, where many states struggle to meet their financial obligations.
“They said the payment of salaries is not an achievement. I agree. No questions. But when it is not paid, it becomes a failure. Isn’t it?” Fanwo wrote. He emphasised that the Kogi State Government has been able to meet its financial obligations, including paying salaries, despite competing pressures on government resources.
Fanwo listed the various sectors that the government has to allocate resources to, including education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, security, housing, and urban development. “The magic of the Kogi State Government to still meet all of these needs and still pay salaries should be commended,” he said.
The commissioner praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Accountant General, Dr. Habibat Onumoko, for their financial engineering, which has enabled the state to fund various projects, including road construction, model secondary schools, and security architecture. “Thank you Mr. Governor. Thank you Mama Alert, the indefatigable Accountant General of our dear state, Dr. Habibat Onumoko. You have shown that you truly love this state,” Fanwo gushed.
Fanwo’s defense of the Governor’s administration comes amid criticism that the payment of salaries is not a notable achievement. However, the commissioner’s argument is that the ability of the government to meet its financial obligations, despite the challenges, is a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.