The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has expressed its disapproval of the recent decision made by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led government to construct barriers affecting several business owners in key commercial districts within the state capital.
Henzodaily understands that the incumbent administration has built barricades in commercial areas such as Challenge, Unity, and Post Office in Ilorin, the state capital.
The barricades were part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government’s infrastructural works in the state.
However, the opposition camp in the state, the PDP, has seen this as an economic sabotage.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 13, 2025, the party encouraged affected entrepreneurs to remain hopeful, assuring them that these barriers will be dismantled if PDP assumes power in the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election.
This information was shared in a press release from the state Chairman of the party, Babatunde Mohammed, which was made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Monday (today).
The statement emphasized that this measure constitutes not only an act of economic sabotage but also a deliberate effort to undermine the livelihoods of the impoverished population and the enterprising youth of Kwara, who depend on these commercial areas for their income.
“The PDP sympathizes deeply with all affected victims of this draconian economic strangulation scheme, especially those protesting this despicable act of the government.
“We assure them that if elected in 2027, a PDP-led government will prioritize the immediate removal of all these oppressive walls, restoring access and opportunities for businesses to thrive,” the statement added.
“The PDP notes with dismay the agitation of young business owners and entrepreneurs operating in the Challenge, Unity, and Post Office areas, which are considered the largest business hubs in Ilorin.
“The erection of these fences, which has effectively shut down access to small-scale businesses, demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for the devastating impact this will have on business owners, their families, and the local economy by the current administration,” the statement further said.
The statement stressed that denying people access to their places of livelihood is not only callous but also an act of despotic recklessness.
“It is particularly shocking and deeply unfortunate that Governor Abdulrazaq ignored the years of hard work, personal sacrifices, and loans invested by these business owners before embarking on such, an anti-people policy,” PDP stated.
The Kwara PDP called upon security agencies to prioritize the safety and rights of the youth entrepreneurs who are currently protesting.
They emphasized the importance of responsible action, advising the governor that failure to address this situation could lead to an increase in violence and criminal activities within the Ilorin metropolis, particularly as many young individuals face the loss of their livelihoods.
Additionally, the Kwara PDP encouraged the protesting youth to maintain a peaceful demeanour and avoid falling into provocations from the governor.
They reassured the people of Kwara that, with God’s will, the PDP government in 2027 will work to reverse this decision and dismantle any structures that hinder economic progress and adversely affect the less fortunate.