By Saka Laaro, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern and dissatisfaction over Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s repeated failure to prioritise and project the developmental challenges facing Kwara State in discussions with the President of the Federation, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are deeply concerned that during a recent high-level meeting with the President, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq chose to discuss the 700km Lagos-Calabar Road coastal project instead of addressing critical infrastructural needs within Kwara State, notably the deplorable state of the less than 20km Ilorin – OmuAran, Ilorin – Kaiama and other roads which are vital arteries for local residents and businesses.
The PDP, in a statement through its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, made available to newsmen in Ilorin, charged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to explain his personal interest in the Lagos-Calabar road project that swayed his priority, causing him to neglect the immediate concerns of the very people who elected him.
“The Governor’s diversion of focus to the non-Kwara project at such a strategic gathering is not only disappointing but grossly irresponsible,” the statement said.
The PDP also described the Governors’ Forum chairmanship of Abdulrahman as a curse to the state rather than a blessing.
“It is disheartening that since Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq assumed the chairmanship of the Governors’ Forum, we have observed a troubling trend where Kwara State has been conspicuously absent from the list of beneficiaries of several federal government interventions. This pattern suggests a disconnect between the Governor’s activities at the national level and the real needs of his constituents.
“Our Governor has since relocated his administrative base to Abuja, governing Kwara State via WhatsApp messages and fake photos parade anytime he comes home. This is unacceptable and indicative of a governance vacuum in our state which has almost relegated the state to one of those badly hit by insecurity, banditry, terrorism, poor health and education infrastructures where pupils learn on bear floor or under the trees, a good example is the Kankan LGEA School, Asa LGA report by the BBC News.
“We call on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to return home from Abuja and channel his energy to Kwara State, prioritise the infrastructural and developmental needs, and ensure that his position as Governors’ Forum Chairman brings benefits rather than detriments to the people of Kwara.
“The people of Kwara State deserve a leader whose primary commitment is to their welfare and the progress of our state and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stands ready to support any initiative that genuinely aims to enhance the prosperity and well-being of Kwara people.”