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Kwara PDP to Gov AbdulRazaq: We Won’t Be Cowed By Politics Of Distraction

Published

6 months ago

April 20, 2026

Our Reporter

*….Accuses APC of Ignoring Rising Insecurity While Recycling Propaganda

*….Reaffirms Saraki’s Innocence in Offa Robbery Case

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a swipe at what the party described as a “watery and pedestrian response issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) following our recent press conference, as well as our leader’s sharp and timely reaction to the unintelligent attempt by the Abdulrahman-led government to resurrect the Offa robbery case as an instrument of blackmail”.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP described the APC’s reliance on empty threats such as “you will face the law” as not only laughable but a clear demonstration of intellectual hollowness.

The party noted that in Dr. Saraki’s response to this renewed politically -motivated trial, he unequivocally reaffirmed his innocence and expressed readiness to meet any accuser in court, while also reiterating his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, adding that “against this backdrop, the APC’s posturing is not only redundant but illogical”.

It added: “For the sake of emphasis, we hereby state that there is absolutely nothing new in the documents that Governor Abdulrahaman and his cohorts are currently parading in this renewed court process. These same claims have been previously investigated by the security agencies.

“It is instructive to remind the public that on two separate occasions, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation after thorough review of the police reports , not only absolved Dr. Saraki of all allegations but explicitly stated that there was no link—direct or indirect—between him and the crime or the suspects involved in Offa robbery . What further proof does the APC require to accept that Dr. Saraki has fully submitted himself to the law even before Governor Abdulrahaman came into office?

“We challenge Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the APC to answer a simple question: if this matter is genuinely about justice, why was this so-called trial not initiated alongside the original prosecution of the convicted offenders?

“It is equally important to recall that the convicts, who initially made televised confessional statements, later told the court that they were coerced by police officials handling the case to implicate Dr. Saraki. According to them, they were promised visa to leave the country, money, removal from the trial list, and other rewards if they implicated Dr. Saraki. Is the Kwara State government conveniently blind to these revelations made under oath in open court?

“Ironically, the APC also attempted to boast about developmental strides—an effort that only exposed Abdulrahamans glaring failures. Can the APC deny that Kwara State is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in insecurity, banditry, and the systematic takeover of rural communities, particularly in Kwara South and Kwara North by bandits?

“Within the last 24 hours alone, terrorists brazenly attacked two communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, abducting traditional rulers—including the Baale of Oloruntele and the monarch of Olayinka—and whisking them into the forest. This is the grim reality under Governor Abdulrahman’s watch.

“Records indicate that over 400 lives have been lost to insecurity in Kwara between 2025 and now. The pertinent question remains: why is insecurity declining in other states while escalating dangerously in Kwara State?

“The answer is simple—Governor Abdulrahman has been largely absent from the state, disconnected from the people, and consistently unwilling to visit affected communities or provide meaningful support to victims of these attacks.

“More troubling is the emerging pattern that suggests not just failure, but complicity and insensivity by the government. The true patron of the so-called ‘good boys’, we dare say, remains Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq himself.

“Kwarans will not forget in a hurry how government-linked hoodlums reportedly unleashed violence on harmless, elderly women who staged a peaceful protest at the entrance to the Kwara State Government House over the abduction of their loved ones by bandits. Eyewitness accounts revealed that after flogging and dispersing the grieving women, some of the attackers brazenly declared, “Ramoni is my own oga,” an utterance that clearly pointed to the power structure behind the assault.

“Till date, none of these individuals has been brought to justice—further reinforcing the belief that they are being shielded by those in authority. We make bold to state that both the perpetrators of that assault on innocent Kwarans and their sponsors will one day be held accountable for these inhumane actions when a responsible and people-oriented government is restored in Kwara State.

“In the same vein, cultism-related violence has escalated alarmingly within the state capital under this administration. Recent months have witnessed a spike in deadly clashes, with several young and promising Kwarans losing their lives to avoidable violence. This deepening insecurity is yet another indictment of a government that has clearly lost control of its primary responsibility—the protection of lives and property.

“We challenge the APC spokesman who was hired to recite a poorly scripted and comical press release, to provide evidence of any visit by Governor Abdulrahman or his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, to his country home, Offa following the recent explosion that destroyed properties and left several people injured. Similarly, where were the numbers one and two citizens when the Deputy Governor’s own community, Omugo in Oro-Ago, came under repeated deadly attacks? How does such abandonment of people when they needed government most translate to responsible governance?

“On infrastructure, the much-publicized projects of Abdulrahaman administration are largely cosmetic and concentrated along a single stretch of one street, the Ahmadu Bello Way, earning the Governor the fitting nickname: “One Street Governor.”

“We reiterate that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has lost relevance and goodwill, not only among the people of Kwara State but even within his own party, where he has become a subject of ridicule. This reality was recently underscored by an APC chieftain Hon. Olosasa, who publicly declared on radio that the Governor can no longer win even a councillorship election in Kwara State. That statement alone is a damning verdict.

“Rather than his obsession with bringing Saraki down and making the PDP the scapegoat for his failure, the Governor would do well to engage in honest self-assessment and corrective action—if it is not already too late.

“Kwarans are now more politically conscious than ever. They are disappointed, aggrieved, and fully aware of the direction or lack thereof—under the current administration. No amount of propaganda against Dr. Saraki or the poor laundering of the governor’s image can alter the inevitable verdict that awaits Abdulrahman in 2027.”

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

9 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

9 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”