Kwara Has Made Significant Progress Under AbdulRazaq, Calls for local government elections – Dr Ajia
Associate Professor Dr. Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia of the University of Missouri in the United States has urged Nigerian authorities and people to uphold democratic principles.
During a conversation with members of the Association of Kwara State Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) on Wednesday, he disclosed this.
The Associate Professor pointed out that only the military government in Nigeria has been able to hold free and fair elections during the country’s democratic transition.
“All the elections conducted by the civilians govt have always flopped and are full of irregularities, and this is attributed to our Leaders selfishness” he stated.
He warns Nigerian leaders to uphold the democratic process scrupulously in order to fortify our democracy, putting aside sentiments and greed.
Using Kwara State as a case study, Dr. Ajiya analysed several strategies to fortify our democracy and stated, “We cannot keep avoiding the truth. The state is developing from the bottom up, but the state of our local government districts is terrible.
“I believe that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has not been planning how to hold the local government elections, even though we have given him ample time to do so. Thus, we must remind him.
He acknowledged that the Governor still had a long way to go before Kwara of our goals could come true, despite applauding the Governor for making tremendous strides over the years.
Dr. Ajia also emphasized the need of continuity in order to promote development. He gave an example of how Sen. Yahaya Oloriegbe, a former senator from Kwara Central, was able to set the bar for the region’s residents throughout his term in office.
“Sen. Oloriegbe has set the bar so high, it’s my wish that Sen Saliu Mustapha will continue the good work in that fit” He stated.
He gives the Kwara Central Senator the mandate to use his position to support the agricultural industry, aid the underprivileged, build human capital, and provide chances for youth.
He offered suggestions for agricultural commodities to be produced, such as cashew and soya bean, which can also be a great way to make money and provide thousands of jobs.
He also said that because of the withdrawal of subsidies and the unavailability of resources, we are losing the finest of the best to the “Japa Syndrome,” which makes it difficult for the poor to lead successful lives and exploit the impoverished to benefit the rich.
In order to develop Nigeria, we must retain its youth.
The Associate Professor stated that if he decides to run for office once more, his top goals will be to guide young people appropriately, make sure they get a good education, put policies in place that give them power, and be a helpful partner who supports them rather than takes advantage of them.
