BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

The first hundred days of Governor Idris Wada’s administration is a mixed report among many critics. The potentials for a greater future are, however, very visible.

It was understandable that Mr. Jacob Edi, the Media Adviser to Governor Idris Wada would assess his boss with the strictness of the conduct of a professional pilot, a trade his boss has distinguished himself in.

“The interest of this administration is not to play to the gallery, rather, it is about doing something that the people can see,” Mr. Edi who was himself well known for his critical appraisal of governance in his days as a union activist told Vanguard.

Many are, however, of the opinion that the first hundreds days of past Governors including Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Prince Abubakar Audu showed more relative physical achievements than those accruing under the Wada administration.

Nevertheless, it is generally affirmed that none of his predecessors was as distracted as Governor Wada in the first hundred days.

Legitimacy battle after the court pronouncement on the tenure of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and five other governors coupled with different litigations at the election Tribunal and High courts are among the distractions.

Critics however, point to a weak administrative style that has so far held back the appointment of a cabinet. Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in Kogi, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo was one of the critics who carpeted “the go slow” posture of the governor.

Gov Wada

Other analysts, however, applaud the cautionary stance of the administration hinging it on methodological approach. The absence of thuggery which characterized the past administration has been especially applauded.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy governor,  Micheal Abu defended the unique strategy of planning by the administration, which he says will lay the foundation for the ultimate success of the government.

He pointed out that it is against this background that merit, commitment and intellectualism are made the bedrock of governance; thus stamping out indolence and mismanagement of the meager resources accruable to the state.

He pointed to the Think – Tank committee inaugurated at the emergence of theadministration comprising of people from distinguished persons from different careers which drafted a blueprint for the governor to follow.

The agriculture sector has received special attention from the administration. Farmers have benefited tremendously in the first hundred days in office. The administration flagged off the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme which is a N1billion loan facility to farmers in the state, purchased sixty-seven tractors, two bulldozers, a low bed carrier and varieties of agro – chemicals to assist farmers.

The administration also paid counterpart funds for the Fadama programe while it has also embarked on Growth Enhancement Support Scheme for farmers. The administration has also laid the foundation for the replication of the Malete Youths Farm by the Zimbabwan farmers in Kwara State in Kogi state.

Similarly, the health sector has benefited from the assumption of Governor Wada. Immediately he stepped into office he approved the appointment of medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists, consultants and ward attendants to be spread across the sixty-nine state owned hospitals.

Edi said according to him, the Wada’s administration is keen about completing projects embarked upon by the former administration since government is a continuum.

He described the free medical care programme as a noble idea that the people have commended, adding that the stadium project, which Governor Idris could not complete has also been receiving attention so as to facilitate its early completion.

He described Wada as an “educationally-friendly governor” whom he says has made education a priority of his government.

“You will recall that the first assignment performed by the governor was an unscheduled visit to the Kogi State University, Ayingba for on-the-spot assessment of facilities at the institution. It was there that he promised to build male and female hostels and funds have since been mobilized for the commencement of the buildings.

The governor has also sent an education Bill to the state legislators. The bill makes it criminal for parents not to send a child to school at a due age”, Edi stressed.

Chairman, Kogi Youth Progressive Association (KYPA), Alhaji Bello Ibrahim gives credence to this when he noted that: “Steps already taken by the governor have rekindled the hope of the people but the war against graft must begin in the state.

With the international exposure of the governor and his deputy, criminal elements who have kept the state on its kneels must be resisted”

While the governor has enjoyed some relative peace with the judiciary within the 100 days, the same cannot be said of the legislature. It is said to be a cat and mouse relationship as both are assessing one another with suspicious eyes.