The media office of former Senate President Bukola Saraki has strongly rejected recent claims by the Kwara State Government that the current administration has achieved more road infrastructure than previous governments.
In a statement issued by Saraki’s media team, the ex-lawmaker’s camp described the governor’s remarks as misleading and symptomatic of an “obsession” with personal political battles rather than addressing pressing issues facing the state. According to the statement, the focus on road construction rhetoric is a deliberate attempt to divert public attention away from growing security concerns and governance challenges in Kwara.
The media office argued that such claims are politically motivated and meant to elevate the image of the current governor by diminishing the accomplishments of past administrations, particularly those of Saraki’s tenure. They labeled the narrative as exaggerated and unhelpful to the state’s development discourse.
Context of Dispute
The row over road projects comes amid broader political tensions in Kwara, where critics of the current government have raised concerns over insecurity and infrastructure delivery. While state officials maintain that significant progress has been made on road networks, opponents claim that security and economic issues have been inadequately addressed, an accusation that has fueled repeated exchanges between political camps.
Saraki’s media office did not provide specific data to counter the government’s figures but stressed that any infrastructure claims should be measured against broader governance performance.
Longstanding Political Friction
The dispute adds to a history of political friction between Saraki and successive administrations in the state. Saraki, who served as governor of Kwara from 2003 to 2011 and later as President of the Senate, has remained a central figure in state politics long after leaving office. Over the years, he has been involved in various controversies, including public disagreements over reclaimed properties, legal challenges, and criticisms of government policies.
In response to similar criticisms, the current governor’s administration has previously insisted that its policies are aimed at improving governance and infrastructure, and that detractors are politically motivated.
Public Reaction and Broader Debate
Public reactions to the clash have been mixed, with some residents expressing support for calls to hold the state government accountable on issues of security and service delivery, while others emphasize the importance of development projects such as road construction.
Analysts say the exchange reflects deeper political competition in Kwara ahead of future elections, with infrastructure achievements and governance records becoming key points of contention among rival factions.
