Sen. Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, (PDP Kogi Central Senatorial District), on Tuesday berated the high rate of under development in the state, 21 years of its creation.
Abatemi-Usman said this in a news statement signed by his media aide, Mr Micheal Jegede, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos.
NAN reports that Kogi State was among the states created by former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, on Aug. 27, 1991.
“Those who were privileged to have administered the affairs of the state in the past did nothing much to bring about its total transformation, “ the senator said.
The lawmaker lamented that despite the numerous mineral and natural resources at its disposal, the state still remained backward, when compared with some other states created at the same time.
He called on the present administration led by Capt. Idris Wada (rtd.) to endeavour to make a difference in the governance of the state.
Abatemi-Usman also urged the people of Kogi?to continue to live in peace and harmony, despite being a multi-tribal state.
“It is indeed unfortunate that after 21 years of our existence as a state, we are still not where we should be.
“Those who had piloted the affairs of our dear state in the past did not in any way make serious and laudable efforts towards advancing the course of the state in the interest of the people.
“It is on this note that I implore the current government to rise up to the challenge of transforming the state by carrying out developmental projects, “ he said.
Abatemi-Usman said that Kogi had a very bright future, but those in charge of administering did not adopt the right strategy to harness the abundant God-given resources. (NAN)