Kwara Hotel: For AbdulRahman, Silence is no longer Golden

Hon. Mashood Mustapha, giant, courageous and vocal, has leveled allegations of daylight fraud and impropriety against Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara state. Hon. Mustapha is not only a member of the All Progressives Congress from Inception, he is also from the ancestral local community area of the Governor – Ilorin West. So, any dumb skull who hopes to profit from the crisis by muddling the issues as ‘opposition perspectives’ would fail on that score.

But since the allegations have been made, mum, as usual, has been the case from the end of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak. To everyone who knows Ramoni, this is not a strange behaviour. People say his reticence is his strength. But this is a different ball game and the earlier the governor and his courtiers know this the better for them.

Yes, in the theatre of political leadership, silence often speaks volumes, yet for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara State, the time has come when silence risks conveying the wrong message.

Amidst the growing chorus of allegations of impropriety, particularly those surrounding the contentious Kwara hotel project, the governor’s reticence is becoming increasingly conspicuous. The absence of his voice not only fuels speculation but also erodes the trust and confidence that are the bedrock of effective governance.

Governance, at its core, is a social contract between the elected and the electorate, predicated on transparency, accountability, and mutual trust. When allegations as serious as those currently levied against Governor AbdulRazak and his administration surface, it is incumbent upon him to address them head-on.

The people of Kwara State, whom he has sworn to serve, deserve nothing less than a full and clear accounting of the facts surrounding these claims. Silence, in this context, might be mistaken for indifference or, worse, acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

The controversial Kwara hotel project, which has become a focal point of public scrutiny, represents more than just a development endeavor; it is a litmus test of the governor’s commitment to ethical governance and accountability. In the face of allegations, a forthright and transparent response from Governor AbdulRazak would not only clarify the situation but also reinforce public confidence in his leadership.

Moreover, the call for transparency and accountability transcends political affiliations or ideologies; it is a fundamental expectation of all democratic societies. Leaders must be prepared to conduct their duties under the watchful eye of the public they serve and to answer for their actions and decisions. In doing so, they reaffirm their commitment to the principles of democracy and good governance.

For Governor AbdulRazak, now is a critical moment to demonstrate leadership and integrity. By breaking his silence and addressing the allegations openly, he has the opportunity to dispel any doubts surrounding his administration and to reaffirm his commitment to the welfare and trust of the people of Kwara State. It is a chance to show that in Kwara, governance is conducted with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, while silence can sometimes be a strategic choice in the complex world of politics, for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, the stakes are too high, and the questions too pressing. The people of Kwara State, and indeed observers from across Nigeria, are watching and waiting for a response. In this moment, for AbdulRahman, silence is indeed no longer golden.

Husaini Ndakene contributes this from Patigi