In a recent official statement, the Kwara State Government has reacted sharply to criticisms levelled by former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, over the outcome of the local government elections held last weekend. By denouncing the declaration by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) that all candidates of the ruling party, the APC, were the winners of the elections, Saraki had stirred up a heated debate.
The response of the Kwara State Government, mediated by the Commissioner for Communication, Mrs. Bola Olukoju, was swift in coming. The latter pointedly pointed out that the former political leader lacked the credibility to speak on the issue of the welfare of Kwarans. She even used a striking metaphor by calling him a “bald barber recommending his infallible hair regrowth product”. A striking image that perfectly illustrates the current situation.
The government statement also singled out Saraki’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of trying in vain to disrupt the conduct of the elections through legal maneuvers, but also by deploying thugs and local henchmen to cause trouble during the polls. Despite these attempts, the people exercised their right to vote freely, thus choosing candidates they could trust.
The official speech stressed that trust was the key word in this election, and that despite the criticisms launched by Saraki’s camp, the current government was able to gain the trust of the people. A trust that translated into massive votes in favor of the APC. The political attacks did not undermine the legitimacy of the polls.
Finally, the Commissioner for Communication concluded on a scathing note by reminding the public of the former political leader’s less than stellar past in terms of public affairs management. Non-payment of salaries, use of intimidation and violence, high suicide rates and poverty… There is no shortage of complaints. A heavy burden that weighs on the shoulders of Saraki and his party.
This verbal joust between the government of Kwara and the former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, reflects the political tensions and local issues that animate the political scene of the State. A struggle for influence where each camp tries to assert its arguments and convince the population of its legitimacy.