A Public affairs analyst and publisher of ObserverTime, Hon. Usman Okai Austin , has made a passionate appeal to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and Chief James Abiodun Faleke to recommend Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a political appointment, declaring that a woman who has given so much to humanity should not be forgotten when opportunities for service arise.
Okai made the appeal in a statement published on his Facebook handle on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in which he described Hajia Salamatu Baiwa as a committed contributor whose experience and passion for human development remain valuable to Kogi State and Nigeria.
He argued that political service should not become a reward reserved only for those who remain perpetually visible within the corridors of power, insisting that individuals who have genuinely contributed to society deserve to be remembered and given opportunities to continue serving.
“Governor Usman Ododo and Chief James Abiodun Faleke should recommend Hajia Salamatu Baiwa to Mr. President for a political appointment. She has contributed too much to Kogi State to be left behind, and she still has a great deal to offer toward human development in Kogi and beyond.”
Okai’s appeal carries a broader political message: Kogi should not lose valuable human capital simply because political calculations have changed.
He urged those in positions of influence to look beyond immediate political interests and consider the larger question of what experienced and committed individuals can still contribute to the people.
According to him, recommending Hajia Salamatu Baiwa for federal appointment would send a powerful message that loyalty, sacrifice, experience and service to humanity are not forgotten.
Addressing Baiwa directly, Okai expressed gratitude for her contributions to humanity but also offered a candid assessment of the political environment.
“Dear Hajia Salamatu Baiwa, thank you for everything you have done for humanity. Unfortunately, APC is not a good party.”
The statement, however, should not be interpreted as a dismissal of Baiwa’s contributions because of her political affiliation. Rather, Okai’s position is that the value of a person should be separated from the shortcomings of a political platform.
He maintained that political parties may rise and fall, alliances may change and political fortunes may shift, but genuine service to humanity remains a legacy that should be recognised.
Okai therefore challenged the political leadership of Kogi State to demonstrate that there is room within governance for people whose records of service transcend party politics.
“Salamatu Baiwa has contributed too much to Kogi State to simply be left behind,” Okai’s message suggests, urging Governor Ododo and Chief Faleke to act before another valuable opportunity to deploy her experience is lost.
For Okai, the issue is bigger than one appointment. It is about recognising service, rewarding capacity and ensuring that Kogi’s finest human resources continue to have a place in the development of the state and the nation.
He urged the relevant political leaders to rise above narrow considerations and give Hajia Salamatu Baiwa another opportunity to serve humanity, insisting that Kogi cannot afford to waste the experience of those who have spent years contributing to its growth.
