With Joke Adeniyi-Jackson
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has since assuming office
on the 29th May, 2019 began work as the slogan of his government
“Iseya” implies. The Governor has been going around the state for
on-the-spot assessment of facilities with the aim of improving the
system towards development of the state.
From Ilorin to Bacita, to Lafiagi among others, the Governor has
continued to traverse the length and breadth of the state with the
mission of actualising a noble vision for Kwara. However, while one
would commend the governor for embarking on the state wide tour to get
first hand information and acquaint himself with the state of things,
he must be reminded that time and tide waits for no man. Four years
may seem a long time but the task at hand is obviously herculean and
requires that the chief executive of the state hit the ground running
in the right direction. Understandably, the Governor is yet to put his
cabinet in place and hence, he has his hands in many pies at the same
time, all the same, he must be mindful of the urgency the situation at
hand demands. He needs to complement his visitations with physical
work knowing fully well that the people of Kwara State have built an
Utopian desire around his administration. Therefore, he cannot afford
to let them down. This is not the time to trade blames or pass bucks.
It is believed that he was aware of the situation he inherited before
assuming office and as such, expected tomap out plans on how to tackle
the challenges headlong. The Governor must show that he is prepared
for the job and that he had studied and appreciated all the challenges
the state is faced with before taking up the mantle of leadership. By
now, one would have expected that the government have started
implementing a comprehensive blueprint. Expectedly his lined up
programmes must be implemented to the letter, towards moving state
to higher pedestal. There is undoubtedly much to be done to give
Kwarans the much desired good governance. He must not be seen to be
wasting time to walk his talk in the interest of Kwarans. This is an
administration that promised much and as such the people who gave the
mandate are eager to see government deliver. The Abdulrazaq
government must visibly outline the defined steps to be taken towards
attainment of set objectives. The challenges ahead demand creativity,
transparency, accountability, due process and zero tolerance for
corruption in governance.
Infrastructure such as roads, functional schools and healthcare
delivery services are some of the areas people want to see the
government pay premium attention to, as well as blocking leakages to
save cost of governance. Quality human capital development should be
in the agenda of the new administration in the state. The state
government must also sustain the core projects of the the previous
administration for infrastructural development of the state.
Nonetheless, one is not saying that the governor should race against
time, but pace is important given the enormity of job to be done by
the present administration. Governor Abdulrazaq must calibrate his
speed to match what is on ground and give a clear direction of his
government. Like the saying that the morning shows the day, the
present government must be seen to work assidiously for better Kwara.
With the number one citizen yet to constitute his cabinet, he would
incontrovertibly be faced with distraction as lobbying for offices and
positions will be more intense. There is therefore the need for him
to remain focused on the issues of governance.
However, Governor Abdulrazaq must not drag foot on the constitution of
a cabinet as this will affect the economy of Kwara State that is in
need of businesses and investors. The governor should do well to
appoint seasoned professionals to steer the state to path of economic
development.
The time for words has long gone what is desired from the Abdulrazaq
government is purposeful action.
The governors entered into a social contract with the people with
their electoral promises; therefore, he should work to deliver.
