Comrade Usman Okai Austin has criticised kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over his recent appointments, saying it is laced with ethnic coloration and lopsidedness.
Okai dropped this message at the backdrop of series of recent appointments made or influence by the Governor in Kogi State and at the Federal level.
He says it would have been a wise thought for Kogi Governor to handpick one out of the twelve Igala Professors that vied for the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, as pioneer VC Custech to bring a little balance to the state, rather the Governor still went for his kinsman despite the fact that the VC of Kogi State University is an Ebira.
According to Comrade Okai, the decision is irrational to have two Ebira extraction at the leadership of the two Universities owned by the State.
‘The best decision in a multi ethnic society like Kogi state, is to allow the majority tribe preside over one of the State Universities or any other tribe in the State.’
He says the people of the State are not unaware of recent appointments both at the State and Federal levels that favour only the Ebiras, leaving the Igala race relegated and grossly marginalised,this action is capable of creating ethnic disharmony.
Austin Okai urged the State Government to have a second thought about his recent appointments as it is inbalance,and reverse without further delay in the interest of Justice and fair play.
He warned on the consequences of administering the State along tribal lines, saying this will not augur well for the rapid socio-economic and political developement of the State.
Similarly, Comrade Okai puts it to the Governor that there are several complaints from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well Parastatals,as Senior Igala, Bassa and other civil servants of another ethnic backgrounds are being relegated, demoted and replaced by their colleagues from Ebira junior counterparts.
He warns that this a very bad leadership precedents being set by the Governor.
Furthermore, while congratulating and wishing the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja a successful tenure, Comrade Okai berates the role Governor Bello played in the disqualification of the 12 Igala Professors and the whole process.
Earlier, The FCT Minister had congratulated Governor Yahaya Bello on the role he played in the emergence of the new VC of Federal University Lokoja,
This is coming at a time the Igala where crying of being marginalized and sidelined, the Govenor who was expected to manage the situation rather than taken the glory of disqualification of igala professors.
Comrade Austin further advised the Governor to treat every tribe in the state fairly and just in the interest of peace and development,
In conclusion, he congratulated the first indigenous Vice- Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja on his appointment .
Professor Olayemi Akinwumi is the new and third Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, he urged him to carry every one along, including those who contested against in the race for the top position in that institution.