Hammed Shittu reports some of the recent policy decisions undertaken by the Kwara State government and the attendant controversies trailing them

In kwara State, good times appears to be coming back again following the resolution of the crises that erupted as a result of some decisions taken by the state government, which were opposed to by some stakeholders in the state. The controversial policies included the ban on the operation of commercial motor cycle in some areas in the state capital and the introduction of law conferring power on the state government to allocate lands within the Ilorin Emirate in the state capital. Another issue that generated controversy was the incident of late payment of salaries to government workers.

Government had banned okada riders from operating on Ahmadu Bello Way, Murtala Mohammed Road and Abdulazeez Attah road. Other areas affected are Umar Saro Road, Obbo Road, Zulu Gamabari Road, Ilofa Road, Offa Road, Lajorin Road and the whole of Government Reservation Area. But Commercial motorcyclists in Ilorin kicked against the ban and staged a public protest

Reacting, government said it took the decision following security reports that most of the crimes in the state were being aided by some Okada riders. According to Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed, the ban was not meant to punish the people but as part of efforts to tackle emerging security challenges in the state. The governor also explained that to ameliorate the transportation challenges, government had introduced the Tricycle scheme known as "Keke n Maigida" and would fully engage the beneficiaries in viable economic activities that would ease transportation and generate more employment to the people.

The new land policy introduced by the government towards the urbanisation of the state capital also generated controversy. The policy had conferred on the state government, powers to allocate lands originally under the ownership rights of councils. But Ilorin indigenes on the platform of the Ilorin Descendants' Progressive Union (IDPU) opposed the new policy which they described as an infringement on the exclusive rights of the natives over their lands.

The development so generated heat between the government and the people of Ilorin emirate, prompting former governor of the state, Dr. Bukola Saraki to wade in, having pitched the people against the government.

Saraki who held a peace meeting with the aggrieved people canvassed for better understanding between the government and the governed, adding that the governor meant well for the state. At the meeting held at his residence, Saraki explained that the controversial land policy came into being during his days as governor and assured the aggrieved that the acquisition of some parcels of land in the metropolis by the government was done in the best interest of the community, as part of the master-plan to transform the state capital into a model city.

The former governor noted that his administration had acquired the said land in public interest and not the incumbent administration. "As your son in Ilorin, I cannot carry out any policy or measure that would be injurious to the collective good of the people. The said parcels of land were acquired as part of my administration's effort to transform Ilorin to the best town in Nigeria," he said even as he appealed to the people to cooperate with Ahmed's administration in its developmental efforts that would transform Ilorin and other parts of the state.

On the issue of the late payment of salaries, Saraki explained that it was due to the dwindling monthly allocations from the federation account to the state. He explained that the current decrease in the federal allocations to some of the states including Kwara was due to the fall in the world price of oil and has continued to affect the monthly generation of funds for the federal government. But he assured that the financial situation in the country would improve soon and monthly allocations to the state would change for better. He, however, said all hands must be on deck and that everybody must be interested in the peaceful co-existence and socio- well being of the state because a peaceful environment would naturally promote socio-economic development.

Saraki who went on to speak on the present administration in the state described the governor as a patriot who had delivered many dividends of democracy to the people of the state, adding that the policies of his administration had brought new lease of life to the people.

Saraki also touched on some reports that he was at loggerheads with his successor. He said rather than quarrel, they have been working together to ensure the growth of the state. He said he was aware of the steps being taken by the Ahmed administration to enhance the socio- economic growth of the state, adding that the administration had continued to earn his admiration and blessing.

He therefore described the rumour as "a beer parlour and low level gossip" that needed not to be dignified with a response. It's just a strategy of a sinking opposition in the state to stay afloat and seen to be relevant."

Also, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Communications, Mr. Akintoba Fatiregun, Saraki added that "the relationship between me and Governor Ahmed remains very cordial and no amount of sponsored and coordinated lies from the opposition can break the cordial relationship that exists between us."

He therefore advised the opposition to develop a different strategy ahead of 2015 elections as against sponsoring falsehood and lies that would lead them nowhere

On his part, Ahmed said the rumour was the handiwork of mischievous people who wanted to cause disaffection between him and his former boss. The governor in statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said the relationship between him and Saraki, rather than wane, had remained cordial and strong based on their long association and a shared vision of a prosperous Kwara State. He dismissed the speculated dispute as a figment of the opposition's imagination.

"Ours is a unique partnership based on mutual respect, which grows stronger daily due to our long history and standing commitment to making Kwara a model for other states in terms of economic growth and prosperity for the people.

"We are like a tag-team in which we are pulling our strength together in a determined effort to build a greater Kwara for the benefit of prosperity. Senator Saraki is a man for whom I retain the highest regard and I am happy to state that the feeling is reciprocal."

Describing his administration as a government of continuity, the governor said the situation in Kwara was unique due to the peaceful transition from the previous administration to the current one, adding that his decision to up scale the laudable programme initiated by his predecessor was an eloquent testimony to the benefits of continuity. This continuity, he said, has continued to elude other states in the country and remained the bane of sustained development in Nigeria.

Ahmed, therefore, stated that he remained focused on his resolve to empower the people of Kwara and grow the state's economy through his administration's robust "Shared Prosperity Program."

He reassured the people of his determination not to be distracted by the antics of the "feeble opposition in the state", and called on the people of Kwara State, both at home and abroad, to ignore the opposition's antics.