Most of the 29 states, which had governorship elections this year are yet to have State Executive Councils (SECs). The governors have been governing the states without commissioners since May 29. The development is causing disquiet, tension and anxiety in some of the states as stakeholders, who are getting frustrated intensify pressures to get themselves or their cronies nominated for appointments.
The non-appointment of commissioners, some observers said, is hampering the delivery of democracy dividends and a host of the states had little or nothing to boast of as achievements after 100 days of the new administrations.
A number of reasons, some very funny, have been given for the foot-dragging of the governors on making their cabinets. They include: Pending suits at the election tribunals challenging the victories of the governors.
The argument is, if the governor’s election will be nullified, why appoint commissioners, who will be thrown out immediately a new person takes over? Another reason is the need to cut the cost of governance.
Operating commissioners is said to be saving the cash-strapped states, which are owing civil servants several months of salary arrears, millions of naira that would have been used to pay commissioners’ allowances, salary and running cost.
Some of the governors are said to be confused over the issue following back breaking pressure from their godfathers and power brokers.
Some have also attributed the delay to what is happening at the federal level, where most of the governors are said to be taking a cue from President Muhammadu Buhari, who is yet to appoint his ministers.
Indeed, in one of the states, the governor is said to be waiting for the ministerial appointments to know those he would give state appointments because he nominated some of his loyalists for federal appointments.
But can the states continue to function without SEC? And for how long?
