By Bashir Ashura.
As concerned citizens of Kwara State, it is important that I call on my state Governor and hold him accountable for his actions—and lack thereof. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has, regrettably, fallen short in many areas that are critical to the well-being and development of our state. When we compare his governance to that of his peers, like Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the discrepancies become glaringly evident. Governor Ademola Adeleke has set a commendable example in the recent road construction, ensuring that infrastructure development is not just a promise but a visible reality. My recent visit to the state of Osun, The roads are being constructed and maintained to high standards, to facilitate smoother transportation to boost the local economy. Additionally, Governor Adeleke has significantly improved the security of his state without resorting to political vendetta with his predecessors, thereby having a peaceful and conducive environment for growth.
Moreover; Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has also shown what effective leadership looks like. He has surpassed Governor Abdulrazaq in all ramifications, from education to healthcare, and from infrastructure to social services. Governor Makinde’s policies have led to substantial improvements in the lives of Oyo State residents, setting a high bar for other governors to emulate. Even Niger State, under its current leadership, has outperformed Kwara in crucial sectors like agriculture, workers wage, and public amenities. The improving farming techniques and providing fair wages to uplifting the populace, something that Kwara State under Abdulrazaq has sorely lacked. In a contrast, Kwara State under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is witnessing a decline in essential services. Our hospitals are deteriorating, Area courts are on the brink of collapse, and state schools are delaminating. The governor has failed to introduce any significant changes to reverse these troubling trends.
Now, let me ask? Where is the garment factory that was supposedly built with state funds? Is it functioning as promised by the governor? What tangible results have come from the Tanke bridge project, which almost landed me in prison? These are questions that demand answers.
How about The Minimum Wage Debacle? the governor’s mishandling of the new minimum wage agreement with the President leaves much to be desired. Rather than setting the record straight and ensuring a proper wage structure, junior staff wages have been arbitrarily dashed out without a proper framework. This lack of planning and execution only serves to exacerbate the existing issues.
Again; Where are the tractors that were claimed to have been bought by the state government? Why do we continue to face unfulfilled promises and unaddressed concerns? Is this the kind of leadership we voted for?
- My dear Kwarans, enough of this gimmickry. It is time to rise up against whomever the 2027 anointed candidate of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq might be. Say no to a retrogressive government. We need our Kwara back, and we need it now.
Let us demand accountability, transparency, and real progress. Our future and the future of our children depend on the actions we take today. It is time for a change—time to reclaim our state from the clutches of ineffective governance.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq must take governance seriously and rise to the occasion. The people of Kwara State deserve better, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are met. Let us stand united for a brighter, more prosperous Kwara.
Ashura, a public commentator, writes from Ilorin
