#BlogFeature - Financial Crunch (2)

Hello everyone, let me introduce a new writer on my #BlogFeature posts to you guys. His name is Olajide Beke and he is a Political Analyst based in Lagos. This is a continuation from his second post which I posted here  some days back and here was his first. His articles and views are his own opinion and they are always very interesting and enlightening.

Enjoy. :)

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Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state has recently adjusted his lifestyle to be more modest. It was also learnt that he used to travel with a large number of aides, hosting series of national and state events with the state's resources. But Mimiko has cut down on the extravagant activities following financial challenges confronting the state. It's revealed that he now does his local travels by road with few vehicles and sleeps at the state lodge not a hotel each time he travels to Abuja. He also attends official assignments with fewer aides and government functionaries unlike before now.

Investigation revealed that Capt Idris Wada of Kogi state moves in a convoy of about four vehicles which convey the governor, other government functionaries, security operatives and media aides.

The governor's wife, Halima, moves in convoy of two utility vehicles and buses that convey her aides, political associates and other hanger-on.

Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has also embarked on cost saving measures which includes slashing his salary by half and embarking on many local trips by road including Abuja. Though, there are some Governors who have maintained their flamboyant lifestyles in spite of the current financial situation in the country. 

Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, also allegedly acquired luxury vehicles worth N558.7 million for his aides and local government chairmen in the state, in spite of the current financial crisis. Ortom bought 13 new Toyota land cruiser Prado SUVs for the commissioners in the state at N18.5m each and 43 new Toyota corolla cars at a total cost of N318.2m

Also in Cross river state, governor Ben Ayade has rather increased the number of ministries, arguing that the move would expand the frontiers to generate revenue for the state. His chief press secretary, Mr Christian Ita, said instead of pruning down government activities, Ayade had decided to increase the ministries with more tasks to generate revenue for the state. It is for that reason he increased the ministries from 13 to 28. "We will not tamper with the wages of workers because the governor believes that even the minimum wage is too small" - said a source.

The Enugu state government recently infuriated its workers when brand new Toyota Prado sport utility vehicles worth N11.5m each, were procured for the commissioners and members of the state house of assembly. The Enugu state house of assembly members are 24, and there are equally 24 commissioners in the state government. Some workers was angry about this and wrote a protest letter to the governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi that the development did not reflect the dire economic situation in the state. They accused the state government for poor economic management in the face of dwindling resources occasioned by the decline in the price of crude oil. Sources revealed that the state government has a large convoy made up of state of art Toyota Prado SUVs, most of which are brand new.

How long can we continue with these sort of extravagant leaders?

Article by: Olajide Beke

Twitter: @jidbek1: