Opposition of Governance and Mismanagement, Kwara Deserves Better

By Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir

If we are talking about generals without troops, then Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State is definitely leading the charge — not with a formidable army, but with a collapsing reputation, a failed mandate, and a government that has become a monument to misgovernance.

Let’s not beat around the bush. Abdulrazaq’s administration is nothing but a parade of poorly executed projects, cosmetic displays of development, and a reckless abandonment of the people’s welfare.

His obsession with white elephant projects along Ahmadu Bello Way, which he shamelessly calls “development,” has only succeeded in siphoning off the state’s resources into his personal coffers while the rest of Kwara suffers in silence. While other parts of the state, especially Kwara North, continue to languish in neglect and insecurity, the governor indulges himself in grandiose, inflated projects that do little or nothing to alleviate poverty or create meaningful jobs.

What about the destruction of livelihoods? Shops demolished without compensation, businesses chased out of existence, and lives lost in the process — all in the name of “development.” The incessant accidents along Okolowo Road are a testament to this government’s reckless abandon. Lives are being lost almost every day on that busy route, yet the government remains deaf and blind to the urgent need for genuine solutions. May the souls of those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to bear such painful, unnecessary and avoidable losses.

Instead of focusing on what truly matters — fixing roads, providing security, empowering the people — Abdulrazaq is busy playing politics with his “cosmetic” projects. His administration seems more interested in revamping the “GRA” and every road that connects it than delivering the basic services that the Kwara people deserve. It’s a clear case of misplaced priorities, where the governor’s personal projects and political ambitions have taken precedence over the real needs of the people.

And yet, he dares to drag Saraki’s name into his political muddle, hoping to revive his dwindling relevance. Abdulrazaq should be reminded that Kwara is not a playground for his personal ambitions or a stage for petty political theatrics. He should focus on his mandate — or better still, relinquish it if he cannot deliver.

The state’s current plight is a clear indictment of his poor governance, mismanagement, lack of accountability and inability to lead effectively.

The people of Kwara are tired of empty promises, failed projects, and a government that treats their suffering as an afterthought.

Abdulrazaq’s administration has impoverished many, turned vibrant communities into ghost towns, and turned governance into a circus. His aides may be feeding fat, but the masses are starving and despairing.

Let him stop hiding behind Saraki’s name or any other straw man. Kwara deserves a leader who will prioritize their needs, not personal wealth and political survival. The state’s current state of decay is a direct reflection of his failure. Kwara deserves better — and it’s high time Abdulrazaq stopped playing petty politics and started delivering on his promises.

May Kwara find the strength to rise above this misgovernance, and may its people find the wisdom to vote for genuine change.

Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir writes from Ilorin, Kwara State. He’s the Press Officer on Local Matters to Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.