Scars of ENDSARS remain with many businesses, families, says Gov Abdulrazaq

…Urges residents to work for peace and stability

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has praised the people of the state for their peaceful and thoughtful nature, emphasizing their commitment to avoiding actions that could disrupt the state’s peace or harm lives and businesses.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Friday in Ilorin, the Governor expressed confidence in the resilience and wisdom of the Kwaran people.

“I’m confident that the people of Kwara, whether old or young, understand that life’s challenges are not to be tackled through actions that may cause further damage or have negative consequences for themselves, their families, our state, and our country,” the Governor stated.

“Kwarans learn from history. Together, we faced the horrors of the ENDSARS protests, during which some roughnecks used the movement as a smokescreen to loot properties, businesses, and attack innocent citizens. We had to deploy scarce resources to support many of the businesses that were ruined, to prevent further job losses. The scars of ENDSARS still remain with many families today.

“I understand that many of our citizens want faster actions to ease the economic situation. This is a valid concern, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all of us in government continue to respond through multidimensional approaches. However, the worst we can do at this time is to adopt any action that may worsen things, especially for businesses or public infrastructure put in place to serve us all.

“To our young people, social media influencers, and opinion molders, I urge you to help mobilize for national growth, peace, harmony, improved socioeconomic development, general well-being, and stability. Let us avoid any action that may end in collective regret, loss of lives, or destruction of our common patrimony. A protest of any kind, however well-intentioned, may trigger destructive actions. Let us not give in to temptations that set our state or country on a path of instability.

“I commend the different stakeholders in the state, including community associations, for mobilizing for peace and stability. That is the way forward, as our challenges will not disappear when we turn against one another. Our challenges are better discussed and steadily resolved in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” the statement concluded.