Hours after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRahman announced the set up of the probe panel for the alleged diversion of local government funds, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara has come out to rubbish the step even describing it as a "kangaroo arrangement." However, it is typical. I am not sure anyone would be surprised that they came flying out of the blocks but were shooting aimlessly, even at themselves. The core of the statement was to make noise, and I want to agree it became necessary, as they were getting forgotten in the state as an entity.

But to be forgotten may be better than being remembered for bad reasons every time. The latest statement signed by Mr Tunde Ashaolu was primarily empty, shallow and exposed their lack of understanding and governance process. Meanwhile, it may be novel to them, because they ruled and reigned with all the possible impunity in the world, instead of governing the state to achieve developmental goals.

If not, they’d have known that Governor AbdulRazaq is showing them how to do right everything they did wrong. From financial propriety to respect for public opinion, prudence, respect for institutions, and shrewd management of the state's image in the comity of states in Nigeria, it was never this impressive. There was a time that if corruption and in-your-face impunity were competitions, Kwara would have easily ranked one to third on the national log on any measurement. Why? The people never mattered, not to talk of their opinions. Crime was a common identity across their ranks, no one could caution the other. At least the cake was going round.

This is why the PDP seem not to understand the rationale behind investigating the allegations of diversion of funds and the credibility of the steps taken by the government. One, contrary to their insinuations, Governor AbdulRazaq earlier called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] as an independent body to probe the panel. Two, he called on Kwara House of Assembly to investigate the claims and possibly hold a public hearing on the same issue. That speaks to openness, and not the secret cult arrangement they’d have put in place. The latest of the steps- setting up of a probe panel- would be complementary. In places where democracy works, the administration would be scored high on openness in this case.

But what did PDP want to achieve from the statement, I’d say nothing other than reminding the populace that they are bothered by how AbdulRazaq governs on the ethos of integrity and accountability. It was under these basket mouths that over 4.2bn LG funds were shared by the suspended 16 chairmen in cahoot with the former KW-IRS boss, Prof Awodun. We can imagine the number of schools, roads, health centres such an amount could have put in place across the local governments. Whereas local government staff were languishing in pain and agony, these men were stuffing that could have paid salaries of thousands of persons in their caps and baba n riga. Instead of hiding in shame for enabling such an award-winning heist under their watch, they are even out to discredit the government guarding against recurrence of such impunity. Ask PDP, do they not fear God at all? Does the local government not deserve to grow?

I have one advice for them anyways, they need a new Publicity Secretary. Tunde Ashaolu lacks the depth and substance to treat issues. I am surprised with all the certificates, he still writes for the party like we were in the 1990s. It would be better if he took time to understudy Mallam Bolaji Abdullah and Lanre Onilu to know the modern and sophisticated way of talking for a party. Now the world is fast and compact, no more lies and hearsays promoted as the truth. They should have known that the EFCC was invited and have started investigations, that the KWHA has constituted a committee since three weeks ago, and that this last step taken by the executive government cannot override the other reports. I supposed he should know better. But since he chose to demonstrate his rusty knowledge of PR and advertised again the PDP's culture of insensitivity, the people can see through it all; Kwara PDP are unhappy Governor AbdulRazaq is setting an example of a sincere and credible government and would resort to blackmailing him to sabotage the efforts of investigation and possible recovery. The question on their lips now is, does the Kwara PDP not fear God?