By Akinwale Kasali
The plan by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State to build a new and befitting Government House in Illorin, Kwara State Capital, have been condemned by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State.
The Kwara State Chapter of the PDP raised eyebrow following the recent disclosure by Governor Abdulrazaq that he would embark on the construction of a new Government House Secretariat.
The PDP through Olusegun Adewara, the State’s Publicity Secretary, stated that the move is considered not only illogical but also a glaring example of misplaced priority and an attempt to siphon the collective resources of the State.
In a statement signed by Adewara, the PDP questioned the rationale behind this venture, especially at a time when several communities in Kwara State are groaning under the weight of severe infrastructural deficits—ranging from deplorable roads, collapsed school structures, poorly equipped hospitals, and a worsening poverty rate
“Governor Abdulrazaq has barely two years left in office. What pressing need does a new Government House Secretariat serve at this twilight of his administration?
“This clearly reinforces our belief that the project is a smokescreen for looting—a backdoor channel to divert state funds under the guise of infrastructure development.
“The existing Government House complex, despite its luxuries and aesthetic rating remains grossly underutilized due to Mr Governor’s refusal to use it since 2019 and yet, every year, this administration allocates and spends hundreds of millions of Naira on its maintenance.
“For example, in 2021, about N3.2bn was budgeted for Government House renovation by Governor Abdulrahman.
“We challenge Governor Abdulrazaq to come clean and publish the full contract details and amount associated with this questionable project.
“Kwarans deserve to know how their commonwealth is being deployed—especially at a time when many families are struggling to survive amid biting economic hardship and government neglect.
“We also ask: of what economic or governance value is a new Government House Secretariat to the people of Kwara when the present one is not being used?
“How does this white elephant project reflect the urgent developmental needs of our people, particularly in rural areas that lack access to the most basic infrastructure?
“Even more disturbing is the report that this contract—if at all justifiable—is being awarded to a foreign contractor.
“This is a direct contradiction of the Otoge campaign promise that pledged to empower local contractors and boost indigenous enterprise as a means to stimulate the state economy.
“The PDP urges Kwarans to remain vigilant and not allow this administration to mortgage the future of our children with vanity projects that neither reflect our immediate priorities nor deliver any long-term benefit to the people”, the Statement reads.
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