The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to reconsider the decision to close down the Kwara Transport Company, Harmony Transport Services Ltd, popularly known as Kwara Express, and to recall and redeploy the affected workers, as reported by Punch. In a statement released on Wednesday in Ilorin, the PDP criticised the government's decision to shut down Kwara Express as part of a "repositioning" plan.

The PDP argued that the closure of Kwara Express would have negative consequences for the state's economy and the livelihoods of the affected workers. The party urged the government to explore alternative solutions that would allow the company to continue operating while undergoing necessary reforms.

The government had announced last Thursday that the closure of Kwara Express was part of a restructuring effort to overhaul the company, modernise its fleet and infrastructure, and improve customer service.

However, the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, condemned the closure and mass layoff of workers, describing the decision as insensitive in a time of economic hardship.

“This action, which comes during significant economic challenges, is callous and reveals the cruelty of this administration,” the PDP stated. The opposition party further accused AbdulRazaq of dismantling viable state businesses, leaving many Kwarans in financial distress.

“The closure of Kwara Express is yet another grim chapter in the governor’s record of economic mismanagement and poor governance, deeply affecting the livelihoods of Kwarans,” the statement read. The PDP expressed particular outrage over the compensation given to the affected workers, some of whom had served the company for over 20 years.

It added, “It is particularly disturbing that these workers were disgracefully compensated with a meagre sum of ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, labelled as ‘Exit Benefit.’ This heartless termination disregards the impact on their families and mental well-being, contributing to rising depression and anti-social behaviour across the state.”

The party questioned how the governor, who touts himself as “Ijoba Mekunu” (government for the masses), could spend ₦2.1 billion on travel expenses within nine months in 2023 while offering paltry exit payments to loyal Kwara Express workers.

The PDP also condemned what it described as the AbdulRazaq administration’s “destruction of legacy projects” that have historically served as economic hubs in Kwara.

The statement cited the closure or neglect of Shonga Farms, Kwara Hotel, Kwara Stadium Complex, Dangote Flour Mills, and other prominent establishments that the PDP claims have been ruined under the current administration.

“This is an unfortunate and condemnable legacy for a governor who, since taking office in 2019, has failed to attract any meaningful business to Kwara State,” the PDP stated