Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, openly criticized the administration in Kogi State for a severe absence of infrastructural growth and substandard leadership during an address in Okene. The federal lawmaker stated that despite receiving substantial federal financial allocations, the state government had failed to execute meaningful developmental projects, reducing governance merely to the disbursement of monthly wages.
Addressing a gathering, the legislator lamented that political thugs received preferential treatment while the populace suffered from infrastructural decay. She maintained that fulfilling the basic obligation of paying workers should not be regarded as a monumental political feat.
"Only thugs are being rewarded. No development. Paying salaries is not an achievement. Look at what Abia State Governor Alex Otti is doing in his state, yet you are boasting about paying salaries in Kogi," she remarked.
How does Kogi compare to Abia under Alex Otti?
Drawing comparisons to developments in the South-East, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan praised Governor Alex Otti for spearheading aggressive infrastructure renewals, constructing quality roads, rehabilitating healthcare facilities, and revitalizing commercial hubs like Aba, all while keeping up with salary obligations.
She asserted that the transformation witnessed in Abia State under the current administration within a brief period far outweighed a decade of governance in Kogi State, challenging local leaders to aim for higher standards of public service delivery rather than celebrating routine administrative duties.
"What Alex Otti has done in Abia in less than two years, Kogi has not done in 10 years. That man has changed Aba, he has fixed roads, hospitals, schools, and he is still paying salaries. So what are we celebrating here?" she queried.