The Okun Unity and Progressive Group (OUPG) has accused the former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole of sponsoring media campaigns against Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Arike.
The Group also said the desperation of the former Speaker to become SSG is dead on arrival as the decision of appointing whoever occupies the number 4 seat is a prerogative of the State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo.
According to a statement by the Coordinator of the Group, Comrade Grace Atolagbe, the position of SSG is for serious people and technocrats, saying it is not for mediocre or political reward seats.
The Group stated that “We’re aware that the former Speaker has been sponsoring campaigns of calumny in some section of the Media against the reappointment of Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade PhD as Secretary to the State Government. This is desperation taken too far as the reappointment of the SSG was based on merit and her meritorious service to the government and people of Kogi State in the last eight years.
“Mrs. Ayoade has been the only Female SSG in the entire 19 Northern States of the Federation. Her reappointment is in line with the sensitivity of the Governor in engaging women in the Governance of the State.
“Is Prince Matthew Kolawole claiming that the Governor is not sensitive? This is an insult to our humility personified Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo. We think his move is against Kogi Women and this will be resisted by the female folks in Kogi West and Kogi State.
“The stage at which Kogi State is now, we need someone that knows the job to do it not a Learner. The SSG has been tested and trusted as a God fearing woman as well as a Technocrat of repute.
“With her reappointment, she is coming to add more value to the State and not to come and learn how to do the job. The public is aware that the office of the SSG is the engine room of government where serious government business are treated.
“We hereby advise Prince Kolawole to stop sponsoring write ups in the Media against the reappointment of our Digital SSG.”
