By Lawal Akanbi Sharafadeen.
Raising dust on the legacy of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) reads more like an attempt to erase the remarkable contributions of a man whose vision and leadership shaped Kwara State into what it is today. Critics, especially members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, May continue to cast aspersions but can’t deny the fact that Bukola Saraki laid the groundwork for a thriving Kwara, with his successors, including Abdulfatah Ahmed, building upon that legacy. It is misleading to dismiss this reality merely to elevate the current administration, whose achievements pale in comparison.
Take for example the satellite campuses of the Kwara State University (KWASU) that are now praised as a notable achievement of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq by his men. KWASU remains one of the most iconic initiatives from Saraki’s tenure as governor. Conceived as a hub for academic excellence, the institution has placed Kwara on the map for higher education and innovation, standing as a testament to Saraki’s foresight and commitment to sustainable development. The irony, however, is that while Governor Abdulrazaq, from an opposing political party, continues to benefit from these foundational projects, his propagandists attempt to rewrite history by downplaying Saraki’s pivotal role. Without the solid groundwork laid by Saraki and his successor, the current administration would have far less to build upon.
Abdulfatah Ahmed, Dr. Bukola Saraki’s successor, carried the torch by continuing the vision and legacy of the former Senate President, introducing transformative initiatives that continue to benefit Kwara State. A prime example is the establishment of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), which significantly boosted the state’s internally generated revenue. The financial model formed and developed during Ahmed’s tenure remains the backbone of the current administration’s revenue system. However, rather than acknowledging this solid foundation, the current administration chooses to disparage those who laid the groundwork they now rely upon. This attempt by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to discredit previous administrations is both dishonest and emblematic of the party’s playbook.
Kwarans will recall that the financial crisis that confronted Nigeria, particularly between 2015 and 2016, prompted former Governor Ahmed to implement bold measures, including creating the KW-IRS, to drive self-sustainability and shield the state from economic shocks. In contrast, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has yet to introduce any innovative policy or actionable plans to tackle pressing issues confronting Kwara today, such as rising food prices and the cost of living in the State. The absence of a clear strategy to address these challenges raises serious concerns about the current administration’s commitment to meaningful governance and economic stability.
Additionally, Ahmed, fondly called Maigida, demonstrated greater transparency and accountability during his tenure, a benchmark the current administration struggles to meet. His interactive sessions, both physically and on radio (Governor Explains) provided a platform for Kwarans to interact and demand answers to governance issues in the state. His administration also regularly published details of Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state—a commendable practice that has since been abandoned by the present administration. In stark contrast, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, despite promising quarterly IGR reports, has failed to fulfill this pledge as the year comes to a close.
Moreover, despite the purported implementation of local government autonomy, there has been no disclosure from the current administration regarding revenue inflows to local governments in the state. This glaring lack of transparency has left many Kwarans in the dark, eroding public trust in the government. Analysts and citizens alike hold that Abdulfatah Ahmed’s administration demonstrated a higher level of openness, particularly in fiscal accountability and citizen engagement. For Kwara State to progress, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq must embrace innovative leadership and recognise the value of individuals who can contribute fresh ideas during these challenging times. After over five years in office, the absence of visionary policies and strategies underscores an urgent need for a more inclusive and accountable approach to governance.
Despite persistent efforts by APC leaders and their minions to discredit Bukola Saraki, he remains widely regarded by Kwarans as the state’s most impactful governor. Their futile attempts to distort the narrative cannot erase Saraki’s enduring influence. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq still has a limited window to shape a positive legacy, but with time slipping away, his current trajectory offers little hope. Governance should prioritise serving the people, not pursuing vendettas or silencing dissent.
The current administration, despite its loud propaganda, has little to show in terms of tangible achievements. It rose to power on the strength of propaganda, false narratives and lofty promises of transformation that Kwarans are yet to see, leaving them disappointed. Kwarans were promised a facelift, but what they got instead was a government marked by division, vendettas, and a lack of tangible development.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq inherited a state with functioning systems, yet he has failed to carve out a distinct legacy or deliver any groundbreaking projects or initiatives. His tenure appears more focused on undermining the accomplishments of his predecessors than on building a better Kwara. Ironically, we hear more from the administration’s media aides and vuvuzelas about Bukola Saraki than about the governor’s own achievements—a telling indictment of a leadership struggling to define its purpose.
Dr. Bukola Saraki’s legacy, however, extends beyond Kwara. As Nigeria’s Senate President, he is widely regarded as the best the country has ever had. His leadership was people-oriented and progressive. His openness to development initiatives and his willingness to support the projects of his successors exemplify his progressive leadership.
On the other hand, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration has been characterized and will only be known in future for authoritarian tendencies, cronyism, and a lack of transparency. His approach to governance often appears vindictive, demolishing properties of perceived political opponents and using security agencies to suppress dissent. Journalists in Kwara can barely speak freely without fear of intimidation or imprisonment. His absentee governance, with more time spent in Abuja than in Ilorin, raises questions about his commitment to the state. He needs to stop wasting the State resources in Abuja, the cost of these logistics can be used to achieve something tangible in the state.
History will not be kind to leaders who betray public trust or squander opportunities to serve. The legacy of Dr. Bukola Saraki remains unmatched, a constant reminder of what true leadership can achieve.
Lawal Akanbi Sharafadeen writes from Kwara State Capital.
