By Wale Bakare

I read Mr. Akogun's write up published on the 27th July in what should have been an assessment of the achievements of governor Ahmed Abdulfatahi, his predecessor Sen. Bukola Saraki and the situation of events in Kwara generally.

I find it hard to juxtapose the content of that article with the modern day Kwara we live in. The word "rotten" depicts a state (in this context) of putrefaction or total deterioration which does not in any way befit Kwara by any standard except perhaps Mr.Akogun resides in Pluto. Was that an exertion to critically analyze the true picture of Kwara state in the wake of economic adversity or a jibe at Sen. Bukola Saraki to settle some political scores or more probably an attempt to discredit the present governor. What ever the motives were, it is clear that the article by any standard is a prejudiced piece and most likely one of those sponsored by those who engineer violence. If for some reasons the author has a personal vendetta with Saraki and his dynasty, dragging the state along is a big show of denigration. Kwara State is and will always be bigger than any individual irrespective of your political prowess.  

In Nigeria corruption is endemic and it's a consequence of the nexus between bureaucracy, politics and criminals. Kwara state just like any other state in Nigeria is faced with its own challenges but painting that in such a rotten gloomy manner underscores the various feats achieved by both the previous and the present government in the state.

This current administration no doubt with its innovative principles, is putting its entire arsenal to work to ensure a secured Kwara building on the good work of his predecessor, but yet we are quick to criticize and dwell on nepotism.

Like him or loath him, the administration of Bukola Saraki brought the preconditions for economic growth in Kwara state, with an impressive portfolio Kwara state became less dependent on the state budget to embrace internally generated revenue. His achievements span across the various facets of the state as evidenced in the Urban renewal of Ilorin city, the aggressive industrialization, agricultural policy and rural development policies.

Today, Kwara State is more business friendly, more economically diverse and better positioned socio-economically than ever before.

In 2008, precisely December, the energy sector in Nigeria was troubled; it was a period the energy crisis peaked to an embarrassing level nationwide with an all-time low mega watt between 1800MW-2400MW. Our economy was almost lying on its belly, the Saraki administration was able to salvage the situation with the commencement of the Gambo power sub-station project, and this exploit restored full power to the envy of other states who were as at that time struggling to produce a meager 40MW. But then time overtakes events and we are quick to forget.

Mr Akogun portrays the State as being in great danger without recourse to the niggling problems. Only those who are abreast of the history of Kwara State pretty early enough will appreciate serenity that comes with living in a peaceful society devoid  of religious or intra ethnic violence as witnessed in most of the Northern state. Say what you will about his tactics and political ambitions, these were unrivaled monumental political and economic achievements.

Then, we are all wondering if Kwara is qualified to be called a rotten state, if so, where do we classify other northern state or even the less developed states in this perking order.  So why would someone allegedly exaggerate amd distort facts to suit an infinitive purpose?

I do not subscribe to character defamation, this attitude for unfair criticism has to stop if we genuinely want to engage and checkmate the true assessments of our serving leaders to bring about development.

I dislike the PDP and their policies, but the truth be told whenever an attempt is made to distract the masses using social media networks to deliver negative press attention to a selected audience. Ordinarily most of this achievements we lay claims to are our fundamental rights and our leaders does not in any way deserve a pat on the back for fulfilling such obligations. However, in the midst of growing skepticism, individual assessments will gear towards eliciting a divergent view; which in my opinion should not be personalized to character assassination to make a spectacle by use of lies, gross exaggeration, or misrepresentation of facts.

The current administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in all fairness has embarked on some laudable projects worthy of commendation; his over one year score card has endeared him to the teeming youth. Despite the alarming rate of youth unemployment the Kwara state bridge empowerment scheme (KWABES) has proved to deliver employment to a sizeable number of Kwarans, other fiscal policies such as the waste to wealth initiative and the reforms in Agriculture will further alleviate the suffering of the masses.  The planned database of youth to be generated should assist to ascertain the number of unemployed youths. Skill acquisition and vocational training will also prepare the youth to be self-reliant and job creators. The free education scheme and the standard agricultural prototype which has been modeled by the federal government have fostered international relations and economic viability. Needless to say more that Governor Ahmed has set the trajectory in motion to move the state to an enviable height. One does not need any knowledge of actuarial science to calculate the odds; it only takes an honest effort to embark on a media tour of the state to ascertain the level of project that has been completed and those currently in progress.

There is hardly any human endeavour we don't have challenges. Being a state in the low end on resource allocation, the mercenaries he has availed himself with has had a direct positive effect on the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) to sustain various initiatives which will in turn give quality life to the people. Kwara State has been designed to run based on its resourcefulness.

So where has he gone wrong thus far? I don't think anyone should be reminded that the gentleman draws breath like every human and is therefore prone to error, even political peccadilloes.

Our major challenges are a manifestation of the nation's imperfect federation, no doubt Mr Akogun prefers to priorities trivial issues, but then I ask which sector of Kwara's economy is currently undergoing decomposition as he has unjustly purported? Which greater impact can a government have on its youths other than in the areas of Agriculture?

His judgments are based on being in the opposition rather than objectively saying it as it is.  Nigeria is already grappled with multifaceted problems and we can't afford to cave in for those who embrace stark criticism to seek relevancy.  No doubt, we own the exclusive right to question our leader's probity, intentions and their sense of direction. But then, how terribly wrong it would be to deliberately inflame an already polarized polity for selfish gains.

Remember that "He who has ever tasted the venom of war will forever appreciate peace'

Long Live Kwara.

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