Kwara PDP berates Gov AbdulRazaq over police harassment of members
The Kwara state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,has pointed an accusatory finger at the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the recent harassment of their members in the state by the police.
The party made the allegation in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Prince ‘Tunji Moronfoye and issued on Friday.
Kwara PDP described the situation as an unwarranted harassment, after several of their members were invited by the Kwara State police command after the APC led state government were said to have falsely accused them of making plans to cause trouble at the Eid praying grounds during the up coming Eid el-Fitr prayers.
The party noted that some of its executive members including the state Chairman the Secretary and legal Adviser were also invited by the Department of state services (DSS) on the same issue.
The party however maintained that the accusation by the state government is false, noting that, “We are law abiding citizens and our singular goal is to win elections inline with, the legal tenets of democracy.”
They also suggested that the Governor’s action is as result of what they called his unfortunate humiliation at the Eid prayer ground last year during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations where, “he was ignored by the masses, while a thunderous welcome greeted the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who was unsuccessfully vilified by the agents of the Kwara state government on countless occasions.”
The party added that, the eventual banning of political campaigns or hailing at the Eid prayer ground by their adoring constituents, is ,”Clearly, a bid to forestall or prevent another humiliating episode of the governor, Mal. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.” the party said.
They said, “While we do not expect that a holy ground such as the Eid prayer ground should be turned to a place of political campaigns or rambunctiousness, there are instances where excitement of devoted constituents can not be contained, an instance of this is the spontaneous and electrified welcome given by the masses to the Emir of Ilorin when he arrives the Eid prayer ground.
“We will like to remind the APC and by extension its government in the state, that Dr. ‘Bukola Saraki never makes appearances at the Eid grounds during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, and this was the case for the entirety of his tenure as state governor as well as the years following his tenure.
“The fear driven directive to cage the people in what should be a joyous occasion is unnecessary. The egos of leaders should not impinge on the rights of the led.
“The governor needs not fear a repeat humiliation at the Eid prayer ground this year. Dr. Bukola Saraki will celebrate the holy festivities of the Eid al-Fitr in the manner he has always celebrated it – privately.” the statement reads.
While stressing that the action of the APC led administration was a means of heating of the polity in the state, the PDP also admonished the Governor to concentrate more on governing the state rather than,”white elephants projects and other expensive failures that have gulped the state’s resources, if he wants to be hailed or celebrated like Dr. ‘Bukola Saraki.”they said.
Governor AbdulRazaq needs to “forget personal vendettas and wake up to its responsibility of providing the necessary infrastructure that enables development and social amenities for Kwarans to lead better lives if it wants to be on the right side of history.”
The party, however, bemoaned what they regard as ,”The abysmal state of our roads and huge mountains of garbage that serenades our streets are a great example of ineptitude and the incompetence of the current administration.”
“The party urged the Governor to “spend budgeted funds on securing lives and properties to mitigate the current security situation in the state. Kwara deserves better.” the statement reads.
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