Okai, a Tribal Champion, sore loser, Seeks Attention Using Governor Ododo’s Name – Kogi Group
By Ozumi Abdul
Austin Usman Okai, a Kogi-based politician and activist, contested as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections and lost to candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Okai’s criticisms of the Kogi State government alleging developmental deficiencies has been described as attention seeking policy in the political scene, despite the impressive record of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has achieved significant milestones in areas of Security, Education, Health, Agriculture, welfare, infrastructure, and governance among others.
In response to Usman Okai’s accusations against Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi Youth For Development (KYFD), a group, has condemned Okai, calling him a “tribal champion” and a “sore loser”.
The Kogi Youth For Development (KYFD) has accused Austin Usman Okai of using the name of Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to gain attention for the 2027 general elections and revive his failing political career
Sunday Okpanachi, chairman of KYFD, stated at a press conference that Okai is a confused politician with unfulfilled political aspirations due to his loss to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the last House of Representatives election due for Dekina/Bassa Federal constituency.
The group dismissed Okai’s accusations that Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo diverted 13 billion naira, calling them false and baseless.
Okai had accused Governor Ododo of following the financial mismanagement pattern set by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello. And criticized the Governors’ Forum, claiming its members are the major cause of economic hardship in Nigeria
Okpanachi stated that Okai, a politician lacking credibility, is desperately clinging to unfounded allegations to prevent further political decline.
He also accused Okai championing tribal irredentism for supporting Murtala Ajaka from Kogi East, even though Okai belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Ajaka contested on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform
He also noted that Okai’s changing political allegiance raised concerns about his genuine political affiliation, which confused the public regarding his party loyalty, as he was a card-carrying member of the PDP while openly supporting an SDP candidate, during the last Kogi governorship election because they shared the same ethnic background.
“Usman Okai is nothing more than a noise-maker, a meddler, quidnunc, or ‘busybody’ in Nigerian parlance, with no political relevance or direction. I believe he would be better off as a social media influencer, where he could create noise and post photos of himself visiting people on Facebook.”
Okpanachi lambasted Okai for subverting Governor Ododo, a capable and God-sent leader who has performed outstandingly in office, receiving widespread praise from the people of Kogi.
Okpanachi stressed that Okai’s tendency to incite tribal discord and switch political parties reveals his lack of serious political conviction. He also recommended that the PDP should have suspended Okai for anti-party activities due to his behavior during the last election.
He also rejected the Nigeria Renaissance Group (NRG), a civil society organization Okai allegedly established, as a “faceless and kangaroo group” lacking credibility. He alleged that the group was formed solely to promote tribal agendas.
Okpanachi praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as a leader of integrity, highlighting the achievements made under his administration. Ododo’s administration has focused on strengthening law enforcement agencies, decreasing crime rates, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement, communities, and technology.
Achievements of Ododo’s administration include improvements to infrastructure, healthcare, and education1. His administration has also focused on youth empowerment and job creation.
Speaking further, he said Ododo’s administration pays state workers 100% salaries across all MDAs, Agencies, and parastatals.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inaugurated several development projects in Kogi State. These projects include the 9 km Zone 8-Zango Daji-Kaduna Junction Road, the 5.5 km Zone 8-Crusher Road, and a 350-bed hostel facility at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara. Other projects commissioned include a demonstration farm, two new faculties at CUSTECH, and several primary healthcare centers across the state.”
Okpanachi observed that during Governor Ododo’s one-year tenure, Kogi witnessed significant improvements, driven by initiatives that enhanced the livelihoods of its people, such as prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and school fees for public secondary school students, including WAEC and JAMB fees.
Moreover, Okpanachi applauded the governor’s efforts to bolster security, citing his partnership with local vigilantes and conventional security forces to enhance the state’s security framework. Okpanachi concluded by extending an olive branch to Okai, encouraging him to join Governor Ododo’s successful administration if he is genuinely committed to the state’s progress, rather than persisting in spreading unfounded allegations against the governor.
