Kogi State-born political activist Comrade Usman Okai Austin, who recently ran as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, has made strong accusations against the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. He claims that its members are among the foremost obstacles to the country’s progress, citing their relentless pursuit of power and influence.
In response to a recent speech by the President, Okai acknowledged the administration’s shortcomings in meeting certain demands, which have contributed to widespread economic hardship across Nigeria. However, he places much of the blame on the governors. According to him, they have systematically dismantled the local government system, reduced state assemblies to mere extensions of their offices, and undermined traditional institutions and the judiciary at the state level, turning judges into “errand boys” for the governors.
Okai characterizes the Governors’ Forum as a “cartel of enemies of the masses,” accusing its members of prioritizing their personal agendas over the welfare of the people they are supposed to serve. He further claims that funds released by the President to assist states are often misappropriated, with resources meant for public welfare being diverted for personal gain. He pointed to the situation in Kogi State, where he alleges that Governor Ododo allocates resources exclusively to political allies and youth leaders, who then resell these resources in the market.
“It’s shameful to hear some governors speak against the President, but none of them is better,” Okai stated. He challenged the governors to account for the billions they have received in the name of interventions and palliatives, asserting that they have systematically destroyed local governments, state judiciaries, and traditional institutions. He accused them of operating in an authoritarian manner and using the forum to manipulate the presidency for their own benefit.
Okai emphasized the need for the governors to allow the system to function effectively, arguing that without a robust and independent local government system, Nigeria’s issues will persist. He stressed that the country is fundamentally built on a third-tier system of government and called on the governors to reflect on their practices.
“Ask them how many can claim they do not owe local government workers in their various states,” he urged. “They have used local governments to commit fraud, and until this is addressed, our problems will linger.”
