Kwara gov’t in war of words with Saraki over results of LG polls
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has dismissed recent comments made by Senator Bukola Saraki regarding the outcome of the local government elections in the state as “laughable” and an act of “self-flattery,” asserting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) convincingly won the elections across the state
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bola Olukoju, accused Saraki’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of attempting to disrupt the elections after realizing they lacked both credibility and popular support.
The statement further alleged that the PDP’s efforts to frustrate the conduct of the elections in court were unsuccessful. After this failure, they allegedly resorted to mobilizing thugs and local collaborators to disrupt the voting process through “shenanigans and hooliganism.”
“The will of the people prevailed,” Olukoju stated. “The government has earned the trust of the people through its performance, and this was reflected in the election results, despite the noise from Saraki’s camp.
“It is bewildering that Saraki’s party is torn between claiming that no election took place and at the same time, alleging victory in the same election. Such contradictions highlight the confusion and desperation of Senator Saraki and his followers.”
The government further questioned Saraki’s authority to speak on people’s welfare, citing his administration’s poor record in that area.
“It is incredible that Senator Bukola Saraki dares to speak on welfare issues, given his legacy of iron-fist imperialism,” the statement added.
“During his tenure, workers suffered under non-payment of salaries, while Saraki prioritized buying luxury cars and using public funds to rally support for himself during his legal trials. His administration left behind widespread poverty, suicide, and destitution.”
The statement also accused Saraki of converting public properties for personal use while the government he led failed to pay workers, despite his appointees receiving full salaries and other perks.
“The current government has worked hard to clear the salary arrears that Saraki’s administration left unpaid. In terms of people’s welfare, Saraki has no moral authority to speak. He is like a bald hairdresser recommending an unfailing hair restorer or a snail claiming victory in a race among horned animals,” the statement quipped.
In light of ongoing economic challenges, the Kwara State Government highlighted its commitment to public welfare, as well as its continued investment in infrastructure and social protection programmes designed to strengthen the purchasing power of the people.
“Unlike the Saraki-inspired government, which denied workers their wages while officials enjoyed office perks, the current administration is focused on delivering real progress. We urge Senator Saraki to reflect on his legacy of impoverishing the people and organizing questionable philanthropic feasts where hundreds died,” it concluded.
