Gov Abdulrazaq’s electoral victory, kidnapped Turkish expatriates, death of queen mother, other events that shaped Kwara in 2019

2019 may have gone but the memories of events which took place in the year will remain indelible in the minds of many Kwara residents. For those who may have forgotten some of the activities and news that dominated the headlines in the state, last year, Head Politics, Mumini AbdulKareem gives you a recap of some major events that shook Kwara State in 2019.
March
In March 9, 2019, after a contentious party primary, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq emerged the gubernatorial flag bearer of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to contest the 2019 polls. His victory after the exercise and subsequent swear-in in May 2019 represents a major paradigm shift in the political narrative of the state and the opening of a new chapter as he was sworn-in as the 7th democratically elected governor of Kwara State. His victory saw to the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by scion of Saraki Political dynasty and former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
May
Former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed commissioned the Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass saying he has no regret thus far because he’s leaving the state with improved infrastructure.
June
The 8th Kwara Assembly led by Dr Ali Ahmad held its valedictory where members gave accounts of their stewardship thus far to their constituencies
During the month of June, the mother of the Emir of Ilorin, Hajia Ayisat Nma Sulu-Gambari. The late queen mother who died at the age of 96 was the granddaughter of the late 7th Emir of Ilorin, daughter of the late Emir of Ilorin, wife of the late 9th Emir of Ilorin, sister of the late 10th Emir of Ilorin and mother of the 11th Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Also during this month, the maiden edition of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration held in Ilorin with Gov Abdulrazaq hosting the first son of the late business mogul, Kola Abiola at the metropolitan square, Ilorin.
Also during the month, the Kwara State government dissolved the harmony holdings and 17 other boards.
July
In the month of July, the residents of the state woke up to the news of the kidnapped of four Turkish expatriates. The suspected kidnappers had abducted the four Turkish expatriates in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State at a popular relaxation centre where they were relaxing after close of work. It was learnt that the victims, Yasin Colak (33), Senerapal (40), Ergun Yurdakul (35) and Seyit Keklik (25), were kidnapped by six gunmen. The Turkish were said to be working for Istanbul Concrete Limited located at Gbale village, Edu LGA.
Also during the month, Kwara born youngest Nigerian Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 34yrs old Muyiwa Atoyebi-Oyetola from Igoun in Oyun Local Government was conferred with the prestigious award as the youngest silk in the country.
September
The Oluganna of Ganmo, Oba Kolawode Atanda passed on after a brief illness 24 hours after the death of his wife, Alhaja Suwebat Kolawole.
November
The late Olupako of Share, Oba Abubakar Dosumu in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara South died at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). The late Monarch, a first class traditional ruler died after a brief illness
December
A member of the 9th Kwara State House of Assembly representing Patigi constituency, Ahmed Saidu Rufai died at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital after a brief Illness. He was buried in his hometown according to Islamic rites in a ceremony that was attended by the Speaker, Engr Danladi Yakubu-Salihu.