• Party reminds Saraki of his opportunistic statement of Dec 21 in favour of Emefiele

Kwara State All Progressives Congress has knocked the former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his PDP sidekicks on what the party called their crocodile tears over the naira redesign crisis.

The APC, in a statement on Thursday morning by the party’s Public Relations Officer Alhaji Folaranmi Tajudeen Aro, said that Senator Bukola was one of the first opportunist opposition figures who dismissed public fears about the dangerous timing of the currency redesign, adding that it was terrible to see the same Saraki turning around to blame the APC government for anything.

The APC recalled that Saraki was everywhere castigating the Department of State Security (DSS) and saying the efforts to interrogate the naira redesign was being sponsored by politicians.

The statement reads: “When people of good conscience, including DSS, raised serious concerns for the unintended consequences of the sudden naira redesign policy on the economy and the masses, Saraki was the first opportunist who went to town that the whole concern was about rigging the 2023 election. This was exactly on December 21, 2022.

“It is strange though not surprising, given his antecedents, to now see the same Saraki and his boys in Kwara PDP falling over one another to shed crocodile tears and asking the people to take their anger on the APC whose candidates and structures have expressed concern about the timing of the policy.

“The civil disturbance we recorded in Kwara and other parts of the country is the direct consequence of the petty politics that persons like Saraki often play in time of serious national emergencies.

“It is also not surprising to see Kwara PDP and its leaders closing their eyes to the arrays of palliatives that the Kwara State Government has rolled out, including transport subsidies for students in the state and those returning from schools outside of the state. The state government has similarly announced palliatives for different vulnerable groups in the state to cushion the effects of the fuel scarcity and naira shortage. These are what show that a government cares about its people. The good thing is that the people of Kwara State understand that Senator Saraki and his lackeys only benefit from confusion and people’s sufferings in the name of politics just to serve their ends.

“We urge the people of Kwara State to reject the opportunistic message of Saraki and his men who do not care whether or not the people suffer as a result of the policy that they supported in a manner that suggested a conspiracy between their party and CBN Governor to cause confusion and frustrate the election or manipulate it to their advantage.”

Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro

State Publicity Secretary,

Kwara State APC

• Says we are in this together

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sympathised with the people of the state on the continuous scarcity of the naira as a result of the recent CBN’s currency redesign policy.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Governor appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and peaceful, and not give in to any frustrations over the naira scarcity.

“I testify to the inconvenience this development has brought. We are in this together, and we are not missing any opportunity to work with the CBN and the Federal Government to bring ease to the people within reasonable time. I admit it has been tough, and we do not take your patience for granted,” he said.

“I sincerely appeal to you to remain calm. We are a resilient people who are popular for our peaceful nature and our history of seeking reliefs with calmness and absolute restraints. This is a passionate appeal to the good people of Kwara State. Again, I share in your pains, and I urge you to exercise the highest level of restraints as we surmount this challenge together.”

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

February 15, 2023

• Emir of Lafiagi backs Gov for second term

• Says Lafiagi appreciates Governor’s huge feats

Kwara APC Campaign train arrived in Edu Local Government on Tuesday afternoon, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq officially commissioning the first phase of the Gbugbu International Market amid applause from the residents of the commercial area.

The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammed Kudu Kawu, called the development a cheery one as he again said Governor AbdulRazaq deserves another term of four years on account of his visible achievements and empathy for the people, especially the rural poor.

“Gbugbu Market is the single biggest commercial opportunity in the entire Edu Patigi Local Government today. So, for you to spend the money to make it international standard is highly welcome, and you have provided our people with a huge opportunity to sell their produce to the international communities,” the Emir said.

“Except for those of us that live here, there is nobody that will truly appreciate what you have done here than us.

“I can tell you that every Wednesday, if you go to all the communities in Edu and Patigi, they are empty, because all of them would have come out to the market, and brought their produce to sell and buy things they need for the whole week. This is a major source of livelihood for our communities, and without this market, there may be a difficult life for our people, especially those in the villages.”

He thanked the administration for deeming it fit to modernize the commercial centre.

“We thank you tremendously for deeming it fit to build this market and expand the opportunities for our people. You have certainly enhanced their values and opportunities for improving their livelihood,” he added.

Joining the Governor for the commissioning were Senator Sadiq Umar; House of Assembly members; cabinet members, and other officials of government and members of the ruling party.

AbdulRazaq, for his part, said the project was a deliberate effort of his administration to impact the people economically, promising to embark on more infrastructural projects to promote their living standards.

“The trade that will be done here will impact meaningfully on the environment here. This project is deliberate because the people of Gbugbu are also entitled to the dividends of democracy. It confirms part of our policy to invest in every sector of our communities. Lafiagi is known for both farming and commerce. Everything legal under the sun will be traded here eventually,” the Governor said.

“Gbugbu is very strategic in the sense that once the new bridge that was awarded by President Muhammadu Buhari is built, driving from here to Abuja will be an easy task. We will not stop on just constructing Gbugbu International Market alone. We will also expand other developmental projects like education and healthcare. You’ve seen how we have fixed your schools with the digital literacy centres.”

The commissioning was followed by different campaign stops in Lafiagi town, where the Governor and other APC leaders addressed the people amid pledges of support for the APC.

The Governor is also expected to touch down in Shonga Emirate and Tsaragi communities where thousands of party loyalists are waiting for the campaign train that is energised by the achievements of the administration in every part of the state.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
February 14, 2023

The Ilorin Project Advocacy Council has read several reports from online media of how the former Senate President and Leader of Kwara State People’s Democratic Party, Bukola Saraki, is planning to destabilize the traditional status quo of the Ilorin Emirate; promising some monarchs that he will be rotating among them the leadership of Traditional Council chaired by our revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, if his party emerges in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

This group also read that Saraki is planning to tear the Ilorin Emirate structure apart once his PDP triumphs at the polls. We’re not surprised that he is making such plans. Saraki has a penchant for disrespecting the royal stool of Sheu Alimi, despite the fact he holds a traditional title in the Emirate, and his family rode in the back of the same Emir and Ilorin Emirate to get to where they are today.

Saraki should know that the stool of Sheu Alimi existed for many decades before his people moved to Kwara state, Ilorin precisely some years ago. And if not for the tolerance and accommodating nature of the Emir and Ilorin Emirate he now finds comfort in disrespecting – they would not have a place to adopt as home in our beloved state. Is Saraki not an ingrate for biting the hands that feed him and his family? Of course, he is. It’s only an ingrate that treads the path he is treading.

Whoever knows Bukola Saraki should tell him to desist from such plans even though the victory of his Party will never happen. One of the reasons the Saraki-led PDP was rejected at the polls in 2019 was because of his disregard for the revered stool of Sheu Alimi and the Emirate. So, how will Kwarans who know that he has not changed vote for his party in the coming election? An average Kwaran does not want to experience what Saraki did to our Central Mosque and the Emir of Ilorin during his time as the governor and governor-general of our dear state.

As long as he was around, we would have to wait for him before we observe the Jum’at prayer. He would keep the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and respected Islamic scholars in the state waiting for him. No regard. The same thing happened at the Eid praying ground. And after observing his prayers, he would make sure he disrupted other processes including the Emir of Ilorin’s annual speech. Unlike him, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq respects our beloved Emir and Kwarans. He does not ask them to wait for him before they observe the Jum’at prayer, he even prays with others outside the mosque.

This group has been informed of why Saraki is plotting to destabilize the traditional status quo of the Ilorin Emirate; it was because his several moves to get our royal father, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to campaign against Governor AbdulRazaq and APC did not work. But Saraki should know more that monarchs are sacred. Besides, the Emir and the well-meaning Kwarans are happy with AbdulRazaq’s government. Who will not be happy with a govt that puts the people?

We seriously condemn Saraki’s evil plots against the peaceful reigns of our royal father, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and we wish to let him know that we will not condone any disrespectful comments from him. Enough is Enough!

Mohammed Quadri,
President,
Ilorin Project Advocacy Council (IPAC)

At least 8000 people of Bassa community in Kwara State on Wednesday formally defected from the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging their overwhelming vote for Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq and other candidates of the party in the coming elections.

Bassas in Kwara originated from states like Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and FCT, and are largely farmers, spreading across many communities in the state.

The decampees, led by their Oba and Aguma Abassa (I), Daniel Shado Zhokwo, were jointly received at the State APC Campaign office by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Non-indigenes, Hon. Caleb Ono Bobi, and State APC Deputy Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Samari, on behalf of the Governor.

Speaking at the occasion, the Aguma Abassa, Oba Shado Zhokwo, said their visit was to formally defect from the PDP to APC and to declare their support for Governor AbdulRazaq and other candidates of the party.

“We, Bassa people are here to let you know that we are decamping from PDP to APC and to let you know that we are in full support of this government led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said.

The monarch commended AbdulRazaq for giving non-indigenes their fair share of his leadership, declaring that the present administration has achieved greatly for the state in the last three and a half years.

He requested the government to further empower his people most especially farmers and traders; and to provide them employment among other demands.

Samuel Weshiri Andrew, another speaker from Bassa, said their defection was not because of earning money but because they are convinced that the administration performed well and deserve another mandate to finish its good work.

“We have been residents in Kwara for years. We knew how we were maltreated by the previous administrations. We recall how they used to deceive us with their failed promises. They pledged to assist our people including farmers but all in vain, ” he said.

Samari, while responding, appreciated the Bassas for their courage and resolve to join the winning team, and pledged that the government and the party would not let them and other residents of Kwara down.

“We want to appreciate the Bassa community for recognizing the good work of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and for resolving through your traditional leader to join the train to deliver for the party. I can assure you that you will all benefit from your labor. We have a Governor that takes care of all those that identify with him including non-kwaran, ” he said.

He urged them to keep their PVCs intact ahead of the polls saying that remains their weapon to achieve their dream.

“When you get home, kindly keep your PVCs. Don’t allow anyone to induce you with money or buy your conscience. We know you are men and women of integrity,” he added.

“For a record, I want to say that the Bassa people in kwara are over eight thousand (8,000), and the representatives here today are from about ten communities. We have over two hundred people representing that 8000”.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Non-indigenes, Hon. Caleb Ono Bobi, for his part, said, the administration is reputed for creating a right environment for residents to thrive irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, and assured the visitors that the government will continue to prioritize their basic needs.

Director Inter-Ethnic Group in the APC State Campaign Council, Barrister Adokutu Jafaru, said the non-indigenes in kwara are given a sense of belonging under the present administration, a reason why he said the Governor created in his Cabinet an office to interface and cater for the non-kwarans.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Kwara State has hailed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and all the Progressive governors for securing an approval of the Supreme Court for the continued use of old naira notes by Nigerians beyond the February 10, 2023 deadline.

The Progressive governors had because of their love for the poor masses approached the Supreme Court seeking the extension of the deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the naira swap.

The APC campaign council, in a statement by the director of Medial and Publicity, Dr Toba Oloyede and his Strategic Communications’ counterpart, Alh Hameed Adio, described the governors’ initiative as highly commendable.

The council recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) had approached a Nigerian court seeking an order to compel the CBN not to extend the deadline for naira swap.

“We are happy about the decision of the Progressive governors to approach the Supreme Court for a declaration that Nigerians should continue to use the old naira notes beyond the February 10 deadline. Their initiative is in tandem with the yearnings of the vast majority of the Nigerian masses.

“With this singular and timely act, our governors have truly shown that their people’s governor who share the pains of the common man. They unlike the PDP leaders, have shown compassion for the well-being and wellness of the Nigerian people.

“We especially note the positive role that our Governor,His Excellency, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq played in this regard,” the council added.

Ends

Former House of Representatives aspirant under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akanbi Ilyas Shola, on Tuesday, drummed support for the second term bid of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Ilyas who claimed to have recently led the PDP ‘Osuwa’ rally, also announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a news conference he addressed in Ilorin, the state capital.

Ilyas said he decided to dump the PDP because of the party’s lack of youth inclusion in its programmes at both the state and national level.

He hailed Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration’s youth friendly programmes and polices, noting that the governor has deliberately make youths very important allies by appointing them into key political and government offices.

Shola added:” I have realised through experience and exposure that
we need a government and party that cares about youths inclusion in politics to
develop this country which is lacking in the PDP.

“The PDP has failed to give up the stage by recognising
the youths in every matter related to the success of the party.
Throughout my lifetime, I have remained a loyal and committed frontline member
of the PDP. In December 2022, I led some group of people to organise a town hall
meeting tagged: “Arewa Decides Project 2023” to awake political consciousness
among the youths in Kwara State. It is also on record that on the 19th of January,
2023, I led Ilorin East/Ilorin South Osuwa Constituency rally across some streets of
Ilorin to raise support for the PDP. Alas, it has dawned on me that the PDP has not
learnt any lesson from the defeat of 2019, particularly on youths inclusion.

“For days, I have pondered over the words of some stakeholders whose advisory note
led me to trace the failure of the PDP, their inability to
recognize the youth constituency as an integral part of the party, and also the game-
changer of the country’s political terrain. I was in awe of the pathetic situation I found myself alongside several other loyal party members, in limbo, which eventually led to the parting way with the party.

” No administration in the history of our state has given opportunities to the youths to
showcase themselves like the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
has done in the last three and half years. It is therefore incumbent on Kwara Youths
to support Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who is reputed for massive
empowerment of the youths. Under this administration, our youths are being supported across different sectors. I do hope this will continue and things will get
much better for the youths constituency.

“It is quite disheartening that the dying PDP in which I toiled day and night failed to
take the youth into account. They failed to recognise that the füture belongs to
youths. On this note, I have come to terms with making a bold statement and joining hands
with the true progressives in the APC in order to actualise my dreams and make
positive changes in the lives of my people.

“Consequently, after a round of prayers with my creator, my family, supporters and
well-wishers, I, Amb. Akanbi Ilyas Shola hereby announce my defection from the
Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) while I formally express my intention to join the
ruling All Progressives Congress, to make positive changes for my people and
Nigeria at large.”

Ends

The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost hundreds of her teeming followers and members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Hon. Commissioner for Works and Transport; Engr Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu FNIMechE FNSE recieved the decampees where he commissioned a campaign office donated by Arewa Youth in Jebba, Moro Local Government Area. The decampees expressed that the exponential growth and tremendous development Kwara is witnessing under H.E Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the reason for their decision.

This move has been described as a major blow for the Kwara PDP in Moro LG after the Hon Commissioner for Works and Transport had earlier received Mr Ajagbe Solomon who is the PDP LG Secretary from Shao ward in the same LG.

There are revelations that more party members from PDP would join APC in Kwara due to their lost faith in the party.

KWARA PDP SUFFERS ANOTHER BLOW

The Kwara PDP Ward Secretary of Shao Ward, Moro LG Mr Ajagbe Solomon defected from the PDP to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decampee was received by the Hon. Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Rotimi Iliasu Suleiman today at the weekly APC ward meeting in Shao, Moro LG.

Mr Solomon said, “It’s imperative to join the ruling party due to the critical investment of this present administration and the visible achievements of H.E Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq”.

Mr Solomon also said, the Governor deserves a second term, therefore, he’d do everything in his capacity to make sure he delivers his ward to the Governor in the forthcoming election.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for more supply of the new naira notes to the citizens to ease things for the masses and stabilize the currency swap policy.

Speaking during a courtesy meeting with the CBN Consumer Protection Department in Ilorin led by Mrs Rashidat Jumoke Monguno, the Governor called for calm while all stakeholders work to ease the situation.

“It’s quite proactive for you to come down to various states to see that compliance is being followed through down to the grassroots level. Our people really need this at this time,” the Governor said.

“We appreciate your coming and we will continue to engage the citizens, traditional institutions, students, all other segments of the society, farmers and NGOs to pass the message through for us to have calmness and make sure the process is seamless.”

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

February 4, 2023