• Commend AbdulRazaq for inclusive governance, even development

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Leaders of thought from across the seven local government areas of Kwara South on Friday canvassed power shift to Kwara North Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections to ensure equity, fairness and justice.

Held on Friday at Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government, the Kwara South Summit organised by the Kwara South Equity Advocates, stakeholders said that since the return of democracy in 1999, Kwara North has not experienced equitable distribution of power and inclusiveness.

The summit had members of the state House of Assembly, council chairmen, the state APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi; traditional rulers, and other leaders of thought in attendance.

Declaring the summit open, the Asiwaju of Oko-Irese, Dr Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, noted with delight the development drives of administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara South and other parts of the state.

He mentioned Osi campus of Kwara State University, Osi-Obbo Aiyegunle road, Orisa bridge in Oro-Ago, Igbaja road among others, as some of the developmental projects of the administration in Kwara South, urging the people of Kwara South to continue to support the administration.

Represented by Prof Olusegun Elegbede, Dr Adewumi declared his support for any step or decision that would bring about equity, fairness and justice in the 2027 general elections.

The guest speaker from Political Science Department, Federal University, Lokoja, Prof Ebenezer Ejalonibu Lawal, said the issue of marginalization, discrimination and all other vices are symbolic of the monopoly of power by a single group in any given polity.

He added that the policy of the federal character principles of Nigerian government also serves as a lesson which must be imbibed across political strata especially as it relates to zoning of governorship seat in the 2027 general elections.

Prof Lawal said the excursion into Kwara State politics and governance in the state from 1999 to date has revealed the bare fact that the Kwara North Senatorial District has been shortchanged.

“With Kwara Central’s eight years of uninterrupted governance and eight years of Kwara South uninterrupted governance, the shift to Kwara North becomes an inevitability. Fortunately, every part of the state has men and women of unbridled potentialities and capacities to handle the affairs of the state”.

Another guest speaker, Prof Olufemi Owolabi, also identified with developmental drives of administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He said sustaining policies of continuity of good governance in Kwara State requires a collective effort from government institutions, civil society, private sector actors, and citizens.

“This is because governance is not a task that the government can undertake alone. It is a shared responsibility that thrives on partnerships, collaboration, and inclusivity.

“The challenges of modern governance, from infrastructural development to human capital investment, require resources, expertise, and perspectives that transcend the government’s capacity. Building on past successes and fostering active stakeholder engagement, the state can create an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable governance model.

“This collective approach will ensure that the state continues to soar in economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Together, we can align governance with the people’s aspirations, uphold transparency, and accountability, and innovate solutions for a brighter and more prosperous Kwara State”.said Prof Owolabi

The APC Chairman in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, for his part commended AbdulRazaq for promoting equity and fairness across the state, adding that any society where there is no equity and fairness, anarchy will set in.

According to Prince Sunday Fagbemi, the impact of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is visible in all 193 wards of the state, with noticeable improvements in each area.

The party Chairman urged Kwara Southerners and people from other regions to support the governor’s choice of successor, ensuring continuity of the good work already began .

Prince Sunday Fagbemi encouraged Kwara Southerners to rediscover their lost unity and regain their former influence in the state, recalling that when Kwara was first created, Kwara Southerners held prominent government positions due to their unity of purpose.

The Chairman emphasized that this unity was evident in the shared goals and discussions among the Igbominas, Ibolos, and Ekitis and urged the people to reclaim their former glory and positively impact the state.

He added that, by regaining their unity and influence, Kwara Southerners can work together to drive positive change and development in the state.

The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Barrister Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, also alluded to developmental initiatives of administration of Governor AbdulRahman, particularly the respect and support of his government to traditional institution.

“As a traditional institution in Kwara State ably led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, we are sincerely very happy with all what God has used this Governor to do for both length and breath of Kwara State. I will make bold to say that AA is a God sent man to correct many anomalies of the past”.

“I want to say that as a traditional institution, we are in full support of whatever they call fairness, equity and justice. Permit also to further say that the leadership of traditional institutions in Kwara State are in full support of the AA led administration”.the monarch said.

Chairman of Kwara South Equity Advocates, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal in his address observed that successive administrations in Kwara State have either lacked the concept of power-sharing and inclusiveness or deliberately exerted actions to dislocate democracy in the peace-loving state.

“Their lack of administrative foresight has also brought about ideological distance from collective efforts to move the state forward, fueled public disaffection, intolerance, discrimination, and diminished societal trust.

“This summit, which is the first of its kind-a landmark event-aims to convene the political wave-makers in the state, especially from Kwara South Senatorial District, to enlighten ourselves and beam our political light on building an egalitarian society.

“We in the Forum, Kwara South Equity Advocates (K-SEA), and people of the same ideological belief with us, agree that the system of administration advanced by Governor Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq addresses issues of common interest and strengthens the security, stability, and prosperity of our state politics by fostering dialogue and cooperation”.he said.

Lawal further noted that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has not only put an end to the politics of god-fatherism, but advancing the reality of equitable power- sharing and strong political coordination.

“The administration has also brought to light a reality which shows that the challenges militating against equity in power-sharing are not with democracy. The issue lies in the complex factors, processes, and mechanisms that make democracy a fieldwork.

“Do you have the interest of Kwara State and Kwarans at heart-not lip service? We, members of the Kwara South Equity Advocates (K-SEA) and people with similar ideological beliefs, have committed ourselves to the pursuit of building an egalitarian society in Kwara.

“The year 2027 is at our door. There is no doubt that when we give the administration of Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq our collective backing and understanding, it will enable him to focus on navigating uncertainties and fostering a political atmosphere that encourages equitable distribution of political power for sustainable peaceful coexistence into 2027 and beyond.”he said.

The traditional rulers were led by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Barrister Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, while Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode led other political office holders in attending the event.

Other stakeholders from all local governments that comprise Kwara South Senatorial District including Oke-Ero, Oyun, Offa, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin also graced the summit.