Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has criticised the Kogi State Government over what she described as inadequate development, arguing that regular payment of workers' salaries should not be presented as a major achievement of any administration.
The lawmaker made the remarks during an event in Okene, Kogi State, where she took aim at the administration of Governor Usman Ododo and compared its performance with that of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
In a video of her remarks circulating on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why the Kogi Government was celebrating salary payments while, in her view, residents were yet to see sufficient development across key sectors.
“Only thugs are being rewarded. No development. Paying salaries is not an achievement. Look at what Abia State Governor Alex Otti is doing in his state, yet you are boasting about paying salaries in Kogi,” she said.
The senator argued that paying workers their salaries is a basic responsibility of government and should go alongside investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other services that directly affect residents.
She praised Otti's administration for projects in Abia, particularly road construction and improvements in Aba, saying the governor had demonstrated that salary payments and infrastructure development could be pursued at the same time.
“What Alex Otti has done in Abia in less than two years, Kogi has not done in 10 years. That man has changed Aba, he has fixed roads, hospitals, schools, and he is still paying salaries. So what are we celebrating here?” she asked.
Her comments add to the growing political exchanges surrounding governance and development in Kogi State as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal about accountability and public service delivery, has previously urged voters to assess political officeholders based on their records and measurable achievements rather than campaign promises.
The latest criticism also places attention on the contrasting development claims made by political actors in Kogi and Abia states.
However, the senator's remarks represent her assessment of the Kogi Government's performance. A comprehensive evaluation of the state's development record would require examining government spending, completed projects and service delivery across different sectors.
As the debate continues, the comments are likely to generate further reactions from supporters of the Kogi administration and opposition figures over what should count as meaningful achievement in public office.