There is widespread debate and concern regarding the extensive appointments of aides by several state governors, as reported by Daily Trust on Sunday. In light of limited resources and the high cost of governance, critics have deemed these appointments excessive, leading to calls for a review.
The affected states include Adamawa, Niger, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and Ebonyi.
Adamawa: In Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has faced criticism for appointing 46 media aides, including special advisers, senior special assistants, and social media assistants. Critics argue that this move is extravagant, especially considering economic challenges. The monthly cost of maintaining these aides is estimated to be over N28 million.
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Niger: Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has appointed 131 female aides, including senior special assistants and coordinators for various roles. Some residents believe that the funds allocated for these appointments should be directed towards critical sectors like healthcare and education. It is projected that the state will spend at least N23.7 million monthly to support these aides.
Kano: Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has appointed 406 aides, including personal assistants, special advisers, senior special assistants, senior special reporters, and special reporters. While the government argues that these appointments aim to create jobs and engage youth in governance, critics view them as economically impractical and burdensome on public resources.
Akwa Ibom: Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State inaugurated 368 personal assistants to facilitate grassroots implementation of his ARISE agenda. These appointments will cost the state not less than N73.6 million monthly. Some civil society organizations argue that employing these youths in agriculture or civil service roles would be more productive.
Plateau: In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has appointed over 200 individuals to various government positions, including commissioners and special advisers. Critics, including civil society organizations, view these appointments as wasteful and believe that resources could be better allocated to critical sectors.
Ebonyi: Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has appointed 35 commissioners and 40 special assistants since taking office. The government justifies these appointments as a reflection of a people-oriented approach. However, some observers argue that the large executive is not cost-effective.
Critics of these appointments stress the need for a more streamlined government structure to ensure efficient use of resources and improved service delivery to the public. They contend that the funds allocated for extensive political appointments could be redirected to address pressing developmental challenges in their respective states.
