…As His Strongest Critic, Oyedepo, Congratulates Him
By ‘Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
The governor and governor-elect of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has just been elected for the second term in office, has described his overwhelming victory as “truly humbling.”
In his appreciation and ‘thank you’ message to the people of the state in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the governor said, “That the All Progressives Congress, APC, recorded this huge success in the Saturday polls underscored the desire of the citizens to continue along the path of positive progress Kwara has recorded over the past three years.
“This victory is truly humbling, and we give all glory to God, who has made this happen. It speaks to our people’s understanding of our history, their appreciation of the progress made between yesterday and today, and their commitment to a greater tomorrow.
“It reflects the wishes of Kwarans at home and in diaspora to sustain the gains of the past three and half years. It means they appreciate our modest efforts to improve the lot of our state.”
He added, “My profound appreciation goes to all the stakeholders for the truly pan-Kwara mandate – young or old, men and women, traditional and religious institutions, civil servants, private sector players, thoughts leaders, political leaders, market men and women, artisans, the media, students, and our young ones, who energised our communities with that sweet, creative chant of ‘Maa se lo.’
“For me, the victory is a call to consolidate on and further spread the gains of the past three and half years and do much more for the people. I pledge to recommit myself to this.
“Together, we will build a Kwara, whose politics will be anchored on giving equitable opportunities to all, expanding the state’s economic base, and delivering dividends of democracy to the citizenry in an atmosphere of peace and respect for the dignity of the human person.
“I dedicate this election victory to God and to the people of our state – in the North, South, and Central. They have shown once again that power resides with the people. Finally, I commend the peaceful conduct of the election, and especially congratulate the security agencies, the electoral umpire, and the political elites for jointly making Kwara polls the most peaceful in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRazaq’s strongest critic; Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo of the ‘O to Gee’ fame which brought the governor to power in 2019, has congratulated him.
The poitician called on the governor to see his re-election for another term as victory for the people of Kwara.
Oyedepo, who is currently the Chairman,
Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, described democracy as a living organism that speaks “through the votes of the people. The people of Kwara State through their votes have spoken, irrespective of our stand about your administration.”
He continued, “But your victory is for ALL. Statesmanship is when you represent both political friends and foes. You are elected to represent the land, air and peoples of Kwara State. Inclusive administration that provides for good governance is a good legacy of a long stint in governorship.
“It is my prayer that God will continue to partner with you in the demanding task of governance of Kwara for another four years. Accept my congratulations for your second term in office and that of my family too.”
