Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Kwara state governor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara has criticised Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the state governor, over plans to construct a new government house secretariat.
A statement issued on Monday by Olusegun Adewara, PDP’s state publicity secretary, described the plan as “misplaced priority” and a potential drain on the state’s resources.
The PDP said the plan was “illogical”, especially at a time when many communities in the state are grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including bad roads, dilapidated schools, and under-equipped hospitals.
“The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm on the recent disclosure that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is set to embark on the construction of a new Government House Secretariat, a move we consider not only illogical but also a glaring example of misplaced priority and an attempt to siphon the collective resources of our dear state,” the statement reads.
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“Governor Abdulrazaq has barely two years left in office. What pressing need does a new Government House Secretariat serve at this twilight of his administration?
“This clearly reinforces our belief that the project is a smokescreen for looting — a backdoor channel to divert state funds under the guise of infrastructure development.
“The existing Government House complex, despite its luxuries and aesthetic rating, remains grossly underutilised due to Mr Governor’s refusal to use it since 2019, and yet, every year, this administration allocates and spends hundreds of millions of naira on its maintenance.
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“For example, in 2021, about N3.2 billion was budgeted for Government House renovation by Governor Abdulrahman.”
The opposition party also called on the governor to disclose the full contract sum and make all project details public.
“Kwarans deserve to know how their commonwealth is being deployed — especially at a time when many families are struggling to survive amid biting economic hardship and government neglect,” the party’s statement continued.
“We also ask: of what economic or governance value is a new Government House Secretariat to the people of Kwara when the present one is not being used?
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“How does this white elephant project reflect the urgent developmental needs of our people, particularly in rural areas that lack access to the most basic infrastructure?
“Even more disturbing is the report that this contract — if at all justifiable — is being awarded to a foreign contractor.
“This is a direct contradiction of the Otoge campaign promise that pledged to empower local contractors and boost indigenous enterprise as a means to stimulate the state economy.”
The PDP urged residents of the state to be vigilant and resist what it termed “vanity projects” that offer no tangible benefit to the people.
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