Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has accused the Kwara state government of being indifferent about the security of its inhabitants’ lives and property.
Saraki, addressing the weekend in Ilorin during the state Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed that the surge of killings, kidnappings, and the collapse of the security system in Kwara state is unparalleled.
According to Saraki, “In the last 12 months, about 70 people have been reportedly killed in Kwara North and South, while about 50 people have sustained various forms of injury from the assailants.
“Within the same period, about 42 people have been kidnapped. Also, over 25 communities have been sacked as the residents abandoned their homes in the same period. Under the present government, Kwara State is becoming a one-town state as people from the northern and southern senatorial zones are converging on Ilorin to escape becoming the next victims of the spate of insecurity.
“It has never been this bad in our state, known as the State of Harmony. The state government is living in denial and trying to suppress the facts, figures, and scenarios from coming out.
“They focus on accusing the opposition, which has been alerting the Federal Government and security agencies of the danger that now lurks in our communities, of playing politics with security.”
Saraki also mentioned that “today, Kwara State is in a precarious state. Our state is being overrun by bandits, kidnappers, and killers who have waged a ceaseless, needless, and careless onslaught on our people.
“Yet, the government in Kwara State and all the people in governance in the state have maintained a posture of apathy, nonchalance, and a carefree attitude.
“The people in government have watched without a clue on how to stop the violence waged against our people by insurgents. Every day, the story from Kwara State in the national media is about killings, kidnappings, and the displacement of people from their communities.”
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The former Kwara State governor further said that “the government in the state in a carefree manner observes in the breach the provision of Section 14, sub-section (2)(b) of the 1999 constitution, which states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,’” adding that “no responsible citizen or party will play politics with the danger to the lives and livelihood of people.”
“But as responsible politicians and political platforms who want to genuinely serve our people, we will not keep quiet. We will continue to alert the national and international communities about the danger that daily confronts our people. We will continue to urge the people who can help to come to the rescue of the Kwara people.”
Saraki however, lauded the new state executive under the chairmanship of Hon. Adamu Bawa, which he described as a family affair, saying, “This great development is something we should all take delight in and be proud of. It confirms that we are a party committed to good leadership, structure, and discipline.
“It is an indication that we are a party whose members are prepared to make the necessary sacrifices required to govern the state at all levels.”
He also praised the immediate past executive under the chairmanship of Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, stating, “On behalf of all our members, we thank you for your efforts and contributions to the party.”
After the exercise, Kaiama’s Alhaji Adamu Bawa Issa emerged as chairman, with 1,498 out of 1,572 accredited delegates.
Mrs. Wasilat Atinuke Macarthy of Offa is the new PDP deputy chair; Mallam Abdullahi AbdulRahman of Ilorin West is the secretary; Rev. C.O.S. Fawenu of Ifelodun is the treasurer; and Hon. Umar Shero of Baruten is the financial secretary.
While Olusegun Olushola Samuel from Isin was reinstated as the party’s Publicity Secretary, Barrister Monsurat Omotosho is now the legal advisor, with Imam Musa Bashir from Mooro, among other Exco members, serving as the auditor.
