By Abubakar Yunusa
The Kogi Leadership Initiative Forum (KLIF) has accused Hon. James Abiodun Faleke of monopolizing federal appointments, allegedly sidelining other local governments in Kogi State in favor of his own.
KLIF, through a statement signed by its spokesperson, Olusọla Salami, claimed that Faleke has systematically prioritized nominees from Ijumu Local Government Area, his home base, for key federal positions, leaving other regions underrepresented.
This move, the group argues, has resulted in the complete exclusion of certain local governments from crucial roles, with Governor Ododo reportedly conceding two commissioner spots to Faleke’s constituency.
According to the group,”Prominent among the recent appointments dominated by Ijumu indigenes are Tosin Adeyanju as the Executive Secretary of the NLTF, Hon. Yori Afolabii as a Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission, and Dr. Adeniyi Helen Aderibigbe, a professor and Kogi’s Ambassador nominee.
“Moreover, the appointment of a Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, who is allegedly a close relative of Faleke, has further intensified concerns over nepotism.”
KLIF expressed particular concern over the marginalization of Kogi East, a region that makes up 50% of the state’s voting population but has been conspicuously absent from both federal and state appointments.
We decried what they see as Faleke’s disregard for the diverse interests of Kogi West, Central, and East, urging President Tinubu to step in and ensure a more equitable distribution of future appointments.
Adding to the controversy, KLIF criticized the waiver Faleke allegedly obtained to nominate a male deputy chairman for Ijumu Local Government, defying the governor’s and party’s preference for a female candidate.
KLIF’s appeal to President Tinubu underscores the growing discontent within Kogi State, as they call for a fairer, more inclusive approach to appointments that reflects the state’s diverse demographic and political landscape.
