By Is’haq Modibbo Kawu
On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, I set out reasons why I believe that AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq deserves a second term, as Governor of Kwara State. In that piece, titled “AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq: Consolidating Progressive Governance in Kwara State”, I made it clear that the historical conjuncture that brought AbdulRahman to power in 2019, was one that was defined by the total rejection of the absurdities associated with the 16-year State Capture excesses of Bukola Saraki and his minions. The victory was so emphatic that all and sundry knew that we had dealt a fatal blow to impunity and arrogance in a manner, that wiped the slate of the 40-year hegemony of a single family, forever, in our state. The reclamation of our state was also the commencement of governance that was responsive, responsible, and people-oriented.
In the days after my piece was distributed, I’ve received very interesting responses from very many readers. What was heartwarming was that the overwhelming numbers of correspondence were very positive. People from all parts of our state had interesting testimonies to offer on the positive impact of governance in their lives since 2019. I was not surprised, though. I consciously monitored different areas of endeavour of development in our three senatorial zones, and I am satisfied that AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has lived up to the pledges made, to faithfully serve our people. I’m particularly delighted about the manner in which the administration touched some of the most disadvantaged communities in the most outlying areas of Kwara State.
Over the past few days, various individuals, associations, community groups, and respected traditional rulers in all parts of the state have openly endorsed a second term for our governor. It is also noteworthy, that some of the people thst left the APC for opposition platforms, are returning to the folding and are effusively, pronouncing their support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s re-election. These endorsements speak to the confidence that’s been generated as a result of the good work done by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his administration. The people, from all walks of life, are speaking out their minds, without ambiguity.
I am hopeful that these endorsements would translate into massive votes on Saturday because the people are confident that the administration has done enough to earn the trust of a second term. The enthusiasm has extended to the reception that various house-to-house teams have received in communities, on behalf of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. When people see and feel the honesty of approach in governance, they also respond with an equal measure of understanding. No government can do everything that the people desire in four years; but in four years, a lot can be achieved to secure the trust of people. That’s what’s going for AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State.
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There are two related points that I think we must make that are interconnected to the elections coming on Saturday, March 11th. The first is that we have given our votes to the APC in the last presidential election. We voted Tinubu-Shettima as president and vice president. It is, therefore, the logical extension to return AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for a second term. That would offer the platform of strong synergy between the federal and state administrations for the overall benefit of the people of Kwara State.
The second point is to banish forever, the possibility of a return to the regime of state capture, which was instituted in our state from 2003 to 2019. We must NEVER ever contemplate a return to the arrogant regime of personalised dictatorship of an individual and of a family. That’s the essence of their desperate desire. And it is the reason they’re spending huge sums in an abortive desire to buy people’s loyalty, on the one hand; and on the other, they’ve spent many hours in the wild goose chase of attempting to cobble together, an alliance of sure-bet losers, who they are coaxing to step down for the PDP candidate. They remain deluded that Kwara State and its financial resources are their family heirloom.
Similarly, we cannot allow state power in the hands of a disgruntled band of politicos, who lost out only because of an inability to deeply appreciate what the new situation, after our decisive victory in 2019, demanded of all those who made a contribution. They arrogated to themselves alone the victory that was actually a collective endeavour, and some of the arrowheads deployed so much arrogance in their conduct and relationship with the governor. These individuals chose to camp on the wrong side of the historical currents in Kwara State.
Given this background, what is most imperative, in my view, is to give AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq a second term in office. That’s what the overwhelming majority of our people desire at this time. They’re satisfied that we can do much better if we consolidate what’s been achieved in the past four years. I take the side of our people and therefore respectfully request an encore for our governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Four more years of progress is the best way to go to Kwara State. I’m appealing to my fellow Kwarans; please, let’s vote right on Saturday, March 11th, 2023. Let’s vote the APC and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for a second term of office.
Kawu, PhD, FNGE, broadcaster, journalist, and political scientist, served as an Assistant Director in the Public Affairs Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. He wrote via kawumodibbo@yahoo.com.
