Ododo has performed exceptionally well in Kogi, – Ex- lawmaker, Bababudan
Honourable Danladi Ibrahim Bababudan has demonstrated a commitment to serving the people of Kogi State across various capacities. As a seasoned politician, he has established a reputation for prioritizing the interests and welfare of the people through responsive governance.
He offers an evaluation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s performance in this exclusive interview, emphasizing areas for improvement
Excerpts
Question
How would you like us to present you to the public?
Response:
Honourable Danladi Ibrahim Bababudan is my name, and I have occupied the roles of Vice Chairman and Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area previously.
Thereafter, I represented Lokoja two constituency in the State House of Assembly. Additionally, I held the position of Special Adviser to Captain Idris Wada, a one-time Governor. In this regard, I am highly familiar with the politics of our people in Lokoja Local Government, having held various offices.
Question:
Recently, the current Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo marked his one year in office as the Governor of Kogi State. What is your evaluation?
Response:
My sincere evaluation of His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo’s performance over the past year is outstanding. As someone intimately familiar with Kogi State, having engaged in politics and governance within the region, I can confidently assert that he has delivered commendable results.
I extend my best wishes to him for a highly successful tenure. A closer examination of his administration’s human capital development initiatives reveals exceptional performance. Civil servants are paid promptly, their entitlements are disbursed, and efforts are being made to settle outstanding debts owed to past political office holders.
Furthermore, significant progress has been made in enhancing security, with recent successes in apprehending criminals and reducing incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent crimes in Kogi State. His leadership has also been instrumental in addressing other critical issues.
The financial aspect of the State which has been significantly boosted. You can observe that he has effectively reduced the state’s debt burden. Kogi State, which had a debt of around three hundred billion, has seen a notable reduction within this one year. Indeed, his achievements are multifaceted, but let me focus on these areas. He has performed commendably, and I acknowledge his efforts.
Question:
Sir, no doubt, there are likely areas you will want him to investigate to earn more accolades?
Response:
Cuts in
Indeed, in my opinion. I am making a formal appeal to his Excellency to settle the outstanding debt owed to the political appointees of Captain Idris Wada. Those who worked alongside Captain Idris Wada are still awaiting payment of approximately four months’ worth of salaries. As members of Kogi State, they deserve consideration. I implore his Excellency to review this matter and clear the debt. The previous administration, over the course of eight years, paid only one month’s salary, leaving a balance of three months. I am appealing to him to address this issue. By doing so, his name will be etched in gold in the annals of Kogi State’s history.
Question:
Sir, a little further into politics, there are repeated calls for you to run for a political position. How do you respond to this development?
Response:
Indeed, service in politics is service to humanity. If I had the opportunity to serve again, I would be delighted to do so because it is a service to the people.
Question:
Having served under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and considering the current All Progressive Congress (APC) administration with many former PDP key players on board, what will you do?
Response:
To reiterate, political parties are tools, and politics is, at its core, a service to the people. In Nigeria, parties do not operate based on ideologies, but rather function freely. If I were to serve in any capacity, under any political affiliation, I am prepared to do so. Whether PDP, APC, LP, or SDP, we are united in our commitment to serving the people. It is worth noting that Nigerians often move between various political parties, making party affiliation inconsequential, as the ultimate goal remains serving the people.
