AA Must Face Workers’ Welfarism, Not Pursue a Vendetta with Demolition Exercise in Kwara
By Abubakar Abdullahi
The recent demolition exercise undertaken by the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (AA) in Kwara State reeks of something more sinister than just urban renewal. For many, it is hard to ignore the political undertones of these actions, which appear to be driven by vengeance rather than a genuine desire for development. The state’s resources and energies are being funneled into tearing down structures linked to past regimes—actions that have only stoked division among Kwarans. Instead of wasting precious resources on an apparent vendetta, the governor should focus on improving the livelihoods of the people of Kwara, including the long-overdue approval and implementation of a realistic minimum wage.
Demolition or Political Payback?
Let’s call it what it is—these demolitions look less like urban planning and more like a political score-settling exercise. Many Kwarans believe that this is not about clearing the way for development but rather about erasing the legacies of political opponents. It is a tactic as old as politics itself: dismantling what came before as a show of dominance. But the question is, at what cost? Is it really the interests of the people that drive these demolitions, or is it a ploy to assert control and humiliate former power holders?
It is particularly egregious that while structures are being bulldozed, Kwarans are left to grapple with poverty, lack of job opportunities, and subpar infrastructure. Schools remain underfunded, healthcare facilities continue to crumble, and the roads many citizens use daily are in deplorable conditions. Wouldn’t the funds used for this demolition spree have been better spent on building new schools or hospitals, or perhaps even tackling the perennial flooding issues in parts of the state? This is not governance; it is a show of power that has little to do with the people’s well-being.
Where Is the N70,000 Minimum Wage?
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration has made promises of addressing workers’ welfare, yet the reality shows a different picture. To this day, the governor has not approved or paid the N70,000 minimum wage that workers in the state have long demanded. The delay has left many Kwarans wondering if this administration is truly committed to their well-being. It is alarming that the focus has been on tearing down structures rather than on implementing a wage that can provide some relief to struggling workers.
The government’s inaction on the minimum wage stands in stark contrast to its eagerness for demolition. The workers of Kwara have been waiting patiently, but how much longer can they hold on as inflation and rising living costs make survival increasingly difficult? The N70,000 minimum wage would hardly be a luxury in today’s economic climate—it is simply what workers need to get by. Yet, even this has been put on the back burner while bulldozers continue to level buildings.
Redirect the Energy, Stop the Vendetta
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq must know that Kwarans see through the smokescreen. The energy and resources being devoted to this demolition spree could be better directed towards more pressing needs—like ensuring that workers receive a livable wage. Why not use this period to rally the state towards economic recovery, create opportunities for the unemployed, and implement policies that make life easier for the struggling families of Kwara?
The narrative of a noble demolition effort does not add up when the people are still crying out for better healthcare, better education, and a wage that can actually sustain them. The administration’s actions send a troubling message: that political scores are being settled while the real concerns of the populace remain unaddressed. This approach breeds resentment and mistrust among Kwarans, deepening divides rather than fostering the unity needed for progress.
Time for a Reality Check in Kwara
This administration must remember that the true measure of governance is not the number of buildings it can tear down, but the number of lives it can uplift. Kwarans deserve more than a governor who is preoccupied with settling old scores. They deserve a leader who prioritizes their welfare, who listens to their concerns, and who takes bold steps to secure a better future for all.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, stop the vendetta. Refocus on what really matters—the people of Kwara. Every moment spent on this demolition exercise is a moment lost in addressing the real needs of the state. The people will not forget those who turned a blind eye to their suffering while pursuing political payback. They will remember a government that chose destruction over development and neglect over upliftment.
Written by Abubakar Abdullahi, Public Affairs Analyst, and a Concerned Kwaran.
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