Gov. Ahmed is determined to adhere strictly within the scripts crafted by his predecessor and not even the mockery of the opposition will deter him

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has in the last 100 days not betrayed the trust invested in him by sustaining the legacy of his predecessor. Despite mocking criticisms from opposition parties including the occupancy of the Presidential Lodge by former Governor Abubakar Saraki, Ahmed has remained almost unbending in the plot of “progress” as supposedly plotted for him by his predecessor.

It is as such not surprising that he has been making spirited efforts to complete the left over projects of the last administration. Such projects include the Metropolitan Square, Diagnostic Centre, road rehabilitation projects among others.

In the last 100 days a few road rehabilitation works have been completed while some are still ongoing around Challenge round about, Sulu Gambari road  Shango- Royal valley road,   Offa Garage – Asa dam  dual carriage way, Osi Etan – Ekiti State boundary road among others.  In the last 100 days there is no doubt that the roads are smoother than they were before.

The administration had launched “Operation no pot holes” to ensure that roads are constantly maintained.

The government has also taken the initiative to ensure the availability of potable water at the door step of the populace by embarking on the rehabilitation works  on Pepele Water Works located in Ilorin East local government area.

Gov Ahmed has further embarked on the construction of 40 motorised and 32 hand pump boreholes across the state so as to address the problem of water being experienced in some of the rural towns and villages in the state.

In an effort to address the high rate of unemployment in the state, the 100 days old administration also launched Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABEES). The aim according to Dr Semiu Akorede, the Governor’s senior media aide was to provide 2000 jobs in public and private sectors for the youths within this 100days. The claim has, however , not been independently verified.

While the Governor has been bubbling with enthusiasm to sustain the legacy of his predecessor and godfather, the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) has, however, remained steadfast in its determination to put him on his toes.

It should be pointed out that among the major political stakeholders that the ACN has remained the only vibrant voice helping as it were, to keep the present administration on its toes. Especially prominent in the battle line are Mr. Kayode Olawepo ,state chairman of ACN and Mr. Mr. Rafiu Ajakaiye, the media aide to the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Mr. Dele Belgore.

Notably an issue in the opposition criticisms has been the use of the Presidential Lodge by former Governor Saraki whenever he is in town. Such criticisms, however, betray the unhidden fact that whether lodged in the Presidential Lodge or not that the Saraki spirit is itself entrenched in the seat of government. Unfortunately, there is nothing the ACN can do about it.