By Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
The governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared that no true progressive, who is a member of All Progressives Congress, APC,in Kwara State, will leave the party no matter what.
Recall that the APC has of late been engulfed with internal crises, both at the national and state levels, threatening what observers described as its chances in the 2023 general elections.
However, the governor, while speaking at the formal inauguration of the state APC Executive Committee, conducted by the party Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, allayed the fears.
Fagbemi had earlier in the year been sworn in by the CCEPC in Abuja.
Addressing a large crowd of party faithful at the State Banquet Hall, Governor AbdulRazaq said that his administration had substantially performed within the short period in office, pointing out that the APC can only beat its own excellent record in the delivery of its campaign promises in basic education, healthcare, public funded-safety net programmes, gender mainstreaming and youths empowerment.
AbdulRazaq bodly declared that he knows that “Kwarans have resolved not to ever hand the reins of government to wandering wolves and their allies,” apparebtly referring to the forces of Bukola Saraki’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, threatening to come back to govern the state.
The governor posited that Kwara was fast regaining its lost glories, adding, “Whatever disagreements among brothers can always be resolved if those involved are committed to the growth of the state.”
He, out of exitement said, “Today represents a new beginning for our party in Kwara State. I congratulate all members of the new state executive committee. Let me remind you that this position is a trust. You now carry the mandate of over 400,000 members of APC in Kwara State to lead us to another victory.
“You are coming on board at a crucial moment. No genuine progressive, whatever the disagreements, will sabotage the collective resolve of the people of Kwara State to solidify the victory of 2019, come 2023.”
The governor further highlighted his achievement to include: “basic education, healthcare delivery, provision of water, infrastructural development and access to the rural areas, prudent management of resources, gender inclusion and youths empowerment, safety net for the poor, and welfare of workers.
He said that the ‘O to ge’ mantra administration can only beat its own excellent record, saying, “We can do more. What is certain is that Kwara people will never again hand the reins of government to the wandering wolves and their allies. APC is the trusted vehicle to keep the victory of 2019 and no patriot will leave the party.
“So, together with the government, you have a duty to mobilise the people of Kwara State on this just struggle to keep the till from those who perpetrated mindless pilfering of public properties and brought the state on its knees.
“We will continue to work on our aggrieved brothers to see beyond personal ambitions and sheath their swords. They are always welcome to the house we built together. Our differences are not irreconcilable, if it is all about the development of Kwara State.”
The deputy governor,
Mr. Kayode Alabi, who was also in attendance, congratulated the new party officials for standing by the administration and urged them to work in unison for the development of the party and the state.
Also, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. (Engr) Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, commended the unity and massive turnout of party men and women for the event.
He enjoined the new members of the APC executive council to go back to their respective wards and local governments to unite and encourage them to obtain permanent voter cards ahead of the 2023 poll.
Other who attended the inauguration ceremony included: members of the state House of Assemby; members of the National Assembly; cabinet members; members of statutory commissions; and other critical stakeholders of the party.
