By joshua 
OPEN LETTER TO MY DEAREST BROTHER USMAN AUSTIN OKHAI FCA
Omattah, it has become imperative at this juncture to do you this letter against the backdrop of sound reasoning. I have watched closely over the years, your stand on issues both at the state and federal levesl and discovered your quest and dedication to the gospel of good governance and people oriented transformational leadership .
You have fought a good fight, however, methinks its time for you to sheath your sword and go closer to government which will provide you the platform to contribute your own quota to your yearnings and aspirations for good governance laced with humane disposition.
Hitherto, you have fought from the sidelines and the message is clear, but I feel you can do more for Nigerians and Kogites alike by fusing your knowledge, experience and good intentions into government as an inside man.
Governance is for us all and a continued criticism in whatever guise cannot make the difference since it’s done from outside government. Your messages are clear and have been etched in the sands of time but it’s time for you to participate and be in the Leadership train of governance. You can also change or add value to governance by being part of government too.
Available records reveals that you are highly intelligent, focused, experienced, humane, lover of the people, a certified accountant and desirous to serve your people. These are qualities that you must bring to bare on the floor of leadership, however, you can’t do this from the sidelines.
His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, The Executive Governor of Kogi State is a man with the heart of gold. His doors are open to you and all lovers of democracy to contribute positively to the growth and development of our State and Nigeria. Kindly join forces with him and strive for a better Kogi State.
In a pellucid manner, I want to reiterate that ” God Rules In The Affairs Of Men”. His emergence as The Executive Governor of Kogi State is part of God’s plan in the affairs of men. Mark my word my dearest brother, if God does not want anyone to rule, he can never rule.
I dream of a Kogi state where ethnic, political and religious primordial divide will go into oblivion with performance and excellence taking the centre stage and this I believe is our dream for our lovely state.
My dearest brother, Kogi state is built on a tripartite arrangement of ethnic nationalities with a blend of culture. Superimposed on this basic structure is the quest for leadership through power play and participation in state and Leadership functions. Through intermarriages and political affiliations, we have become sophisticated and resilient in our pursuit of a better Kogi State.
In all honesty, you have fought enough and it’s time to sheath your sword and join hands with all the stakeholders in our dear state and country through direct involvement in policy making for the betterment of our dear state and country.
You should bring in your fearlessness, strength, political ideology and your visionary acumen to bare in the Leadership train of governance in Kogi State and Nigeria. Time is of essence and the clock is ticking .
You were born and raised in a decent and robust family background and that may have informed your outlook to life. The state needs you, your government will be glad to work with you and you can easily build a bridge across party lines and assist His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, The Executive Governor of Kogi State to harness and unite our people on a common ground thereby taking us to the next level.
In your quiet moments, I want you to xray the man H.E Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his style of Leadership. You will find in him a man of peace, keeper of trust, lover of collaborative effort and above all a man with the fear of God.This qualities have endeared him to our people.
I decided to pen down this piece out of love for peace and tranquility because no nation can develop under chaos and rancour. I have never known you before but I have always read your comments on national and world events. Your unbiased commentaries and arrow to the heart diagnosis of issues have placed you on a strong pedestal.
Omattah, think deep.
Ojokinugwa Chaka.
Gracias!
Dr. SM Onalo
Author, Lecturer & Strategist.
North Central Nigeria.
08 / 04 / 2025