Written by Adeniyi Osula
Discrepancies in Claims from Kwara’s Administration
Last Friday, I tuned in to a television segment featuring Rafiu Ajakai, the chief spokesperson for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. As he defended the beleaguered administration of his boss, it became evident that he struggled to substantiate claims about meaningful development in Kwara State. Instead of providing solid evidence of progress, Ajakai’s performance highlighted the stark contrast between government proclamations and the everyday realities faced by Kwarans.
Questionable Growth in Internal Revenue
Ajakai asserted that the Abdulrazaq administration had increased Kwara’s internal revenue from N30 billion in 2019 to an anticipated N90 billion by 2025. However, he conveniently overlooked the fact that much of this growth was due to initiatives set in motion by the prior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government led by Abdul Fattah Ahmad. Additionally, he ignored prevailing economic factors such as inflation and higher taxation that naturally elevate government revenues nationwide.
Lack of Transparency on Federal Funding Impact
Crucially, Ajakai did not mention the significant rise in federal funding to states in recent years. Many states that previously received between N2 billion and N3 billion monthly from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) are now benefiting from over N10 billion each month. When asked about the impact of these funding increases on the lives of ordinary Kwarans, Ajakai could only point to what he termed “at least 10 legacy projects” along Ahmadu Bello Road. However, the true nature and efficacy of these alleged projects remain unclear, leaving many to wonder how they have genuinely enhanced community welfare.
Unfinished Projects Raise Concerns
Nearly eight years into the current administration, many of these so-called legacy projects along Ahmadu Bello Way remain incomplete or uncommissioned and often fail to address the immediate needs of citizens. Notably, the Ilorin Innovation Hub, established in collaboration with IHS Towers, stands as one of the few functional initiatives, with substantial financial backing from the private sector. Without IHS Towers’ investment, many fear it would have joined the ranks of other unsatisfactory ventures, such as the Ilorin Visual Arts Center and the Ilorin Garment Factory, both of which experienced prolonged shutdowns.
Financial Implications of Major Projects
The majority of the projects along Ahmadu Bello Way impose a financial strain on the state without delivering real social benefits. For example, over N10 billion has already been allocated to the new headquarters of the Kwara State Inland Revenue Service (KWIRS), which offers minimal direct benefit to Kwarans struggling with unemployment and inadequate healthcare. Similarly, the Ilorin Visual Arts Center, which was initially budgeted at N755 million, has consumed upwards of N2 billion yet remains closed, contradicting government claims of fostering tourism and economic activity.
Concerns over Overlapping Initiatives
Another highly debated project is the International Conference Center (ICC), which has experienced extensive delays and has reportedly consumed approximately N22 billion over four years. This raises questions about the rationale behind such spending, particularly given that the Kwara Hotel is less than a kilometer away and underwent a N30 billion renovation. The decision to subsequently allocate N4 billion for the renovation of a banquet hall while simultaneously developing a new convention center only deepens concerns about planning inefficiencies and a lack of fiscal accountability.
Governance Beyond Infrastructure
Several other undertakings along Ahmadu Bello Avenue, including new buildings for various ministries, further complicate the question of need versus prioritization. While infrastructure development is vital, it is crucial to consider whether these projects genuinely reflect the pressing demands of the populace. With many communities grappling with insecurity, insufficient road infrastructure, underfunded schools, and escalating poverty levels, the justification for spending substantial sums on projects that do not directly impact daily life remains tenuous.
Ajakai’s portrayal of these developments as evidence of good governance only serves to reinforce perceptions that he and the Abdulrazaq administration are disconnected from the challenges faced by the average citizen. The transformative potential of investing public funds into healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security cannot be overstated. The priorities should align with the needs of Kwarans rather than merely creating physical monuments devoid of tangible benefits.
Misleading Claims About Rural Infrastructure
When pressed to highlight road projects aimed at enhancing rural development and agricultural productivity, Ajakai could only cite the Bode-Saadu-Kosbos road, a venture initiated by the BUA Group with backing from the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, established during the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This misrepresentation raises questions about his claims that Governor Abdulrahman played a significant role in facilitating infrastructure improvements through his chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
Ajakai’s assertions seem disingenuous, especially since the approval of the road project predates Abdulrahman’s tenure as NGF Chairman. Moreover, the governor’s position on the forum has yielded minimal tangible benefits for the state since assuming office. As the governor frequently travels for local and international engagements, questions arise about leadership effectiveness and how those expenses are impacting the community positively. Kwarans deserve governance that prioritizes their immediate needs, not a governance style fixated on constructing emblematic structures far removed from their daily realities.
