The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly criticized the reported plan by the state government under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to construct a new Government House Secretariat in Ilorin, describing it as a misplaced priority and an attempt to mismanage public funds.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP questioned the rationale behind the project, particularly in light of the state’s pressing infrastructural challenges.
“At a time when numerous communities across Kwara are contending with deplorable roads, dilapidated school buildings, under-equipped hospitals, and deepening poverty, the decision to commence construction of a new Government House Secretariat is not only illogical but insensitive,” the statement read.
The opposition party noted that Governor Abdulrazaq has less than two years left in office and questioned the urgency or necessity of the project at this stage of his tenure.
“The current Government House complex, which is both luxurious and architecturally impressive, remains significantly underutilized since the governor assumed office in 2019,” Adewara said. “Yet, year after year, substantial funds are allocated for its maintenance. In 2021 alone, about N3.2 billion was reportedly budgeted for its renovation.”
The PDP challenged the governor to provide full disclosure on the contract terms and financial details related to the new construction, calling for transparency in the handling of public funds.
“Kwarans deserve to know how their resources are being spent, especially at a time of worsening economic conditions for many families across the state,” the statement added.
The party also raised concerns over reports that the contract may have been awarded to a foreign firm, a move it said contradicts Governor Abdulrazaq’s “Otoge” campaign promise to promote indigenous businesses and empower local contractors.
“This administration must not mortgage the future of our children on vanity projects that do not align with the real needs of the people,” Adewara warned. “We call on all well-meaning Kwarans to remain vigilant and resist actions that jeopardize the collective interest of the state.”
Efforts to reach the state government for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful as of press time.
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