A two-time former Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Dr. Tom Ohikere said it’s due time for the governorship seat of the state to be zoned to the West Senatorial District.
Dr. Ohikere, championing the power shift from the central to the west, stated this in an exclusive interview with Ahmed Idakwo.
He noted the need to build trust and sense of belonging in the state, achievable by allowing the West the opportunity to lead the state.
“Kogi East has produced governors for 17 years. Kogi Central for 12 years. Kogi West has had 0 years. For fairness, unity and justice, the governorship in 2027 must go to Kogi West. This is not about denying any other part of the state its rights.
“It is about fairness, inclusion and building confidence among the people. Every senatorial district should have a sense of belonging. This is how we build trust and a sense of belonging in our state,” he said.
When asked about the performance of the Ododo administration, he commended the government in the areas of salary payments and infrastructure. However, he noted gaps in the state’s broader development needs.
“The government has not demonstrated the level of urgency, innovation, and delivery required to transform people’s lives. Like in the infrastructure, road projects are ongoing, but the pace of execution remains slow.
“There is a need for the government to be more aggressive in completing critical infrastructure that directly affects the movement of people, goods and services across the state.
“Our Primary Health Centres still lack essential drugs, adequate personnel and the facilities required to provide quality healthcare, particularly to people in rural communities. A government cannot claim meaningful development when citizens still struggle to access basic healthcare close to their homes. Education: Investment in teacher training and school infrastructure remains insufficient, especially in rural areas. We need properly equipped schools, motivated teachers and an education system capable of preparing our young people for the future.
“The rising cost of food and transportation is severely affecting households, and the state’s response has largely been limited to palliatives. Palliatives may provide temporary relief, but they cannot replace a sustainable economic policy. Most critically, the water supply has collapsed.
“The Greater Lokoja Water Works, located in Lokoja, the state capital in Kogi West, was built by the Ibrahim Idris administration and was functional until this government came on board. It has now been abandoned.
“In Kogi Central, despite the presence of Ekuku Dam, Okene Water Works, and Osara Dam, the people still lack access to potable water.
“This is not a minor issue. Water is one of the most basic responsibilities of government. If people living in a state with dams and waterworks cannot access clean, potable water, then something is fundamentally wrong with the administration’s priorities.
“So, while I acknowledge the improvement in salary payments and the relative peace in the state, the Ododo administration has failed Kogi in critical areas such as water, healthcare, jobs, education, and economic development.”
