By Lanrey Osho.
As a columnist, I must confess that my prayer, like that of many journalists, is for events to unfold in Kwara State, providing us with fodder for our writings. However, the recent sacking of staff at Kwara Polytechnic and the Ilorin challenge phone repairers due to the wall erected by the state government have taken center stage.
Initially, my plan was to write about Donald Trump, the newly sworn-in US President, and how his presidency might benefit Nigeria. Nevertheless, the outpouring of messages and calls from concerned individuals has compelled me to shift my focus for this week.
As someone who has written extensively about Kwara State, I feel duty-bound to address this pressing issue. My encounters with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq have shown him to be a listening leader, seeking advice from civil society organizations.
I recall our first meeting at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, where I represented my organization during a social audit. The governor’s willingness to listen and act on our recommendations was impressive.
The sacking of Kwara Polytechnic staff allegedly due to political affiliations is a disturbing trend. While the polytechnic has released a statement denying these claims, the fact remains that several staff members have been let go without clear explanations.
As I have argued before, staff engaging in politics must be cautious not to compromise their organization’s interests. I urge the rector to temper justice with mercy, recognizing that politics is transient, but institutions like Kwara Polytechnic endure.
The rector must remain neutral, avoiding partisanship and supporting any particular political party. With the 2027 elections looming, it is essential to maintain a neutral stance.
In light of this, I appeal to the rector and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq to reconsider the sacking of the staff members. Let us work towards finding a solution that upholds justice, fairness, and the well-being of all parties involved.
The families of the sacked staff are left wondering: what’s next? How will they put food on the table when even their meager earnings were barely enough?
In these uncertain times, we must abandon the politics of bitterness. The harsh reality is that today’s victims of circumstance could be tomorrow’s leaders.
Take, for instance, the former Deputy Speaker of the 9th Kwara House of Assembly and the Speaker. During our meeting, they shared their remarkable stories of how divine providence catapulted them to prominence.
Even Honorable Rukayat Shittu, who never imagined she would be in the House of Assembly just five years ago, is a testament to the unpredictability of life.
We must treat others with kindness, knowing that our paths will cross again. A stark reminder of this is the story of an individual who suffered mistreatment at the hands of a powerful Kwara monarch, only to rise to become the state’s Military Governor. Though he sought revenge, a prominent politician intervened, pleading for mercy on his behalf.
It is with this in mind that I implore both the Governor and Rector to reconsider their decision. Have mercy on the sacked staff and reengage them. Let us choose compassion over politics, acknowledging that we are all connected in ways we cannot yet imagine.
I am not supporting the sacked staff due to partisanship, but I feel for them deeply. We are all struggling with insecurity, hardship, and unemployment. Adding to the already dire situation would be devastating. I implore the governor to reconsider the rector’s decision and reabsorb the staff.
On the pressing issue of phone repairers at Challenge Ilorin due to the wall erected by the state government, I implore the governor, as the father of all, to intervene.
As a governor for all, regardless of political affiliation or religion, it is evident that the wall was constructed as part of the administration’s developmental projects. The governor’s commitment to implementing the Ilorin Developmental Plan is laudable, with visible transformations across the metropolis.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these developments should not come at the expense of citizens’ livelihoods. The ultimate beneficiaries of these projects are the people, and it is essential to ensure that their interests are protected.
The erected fence has undoubtedly made it challenging for customers to access the phone repairers, resulting in a significant decline in their business. I personally experienced this difficulty recently when I struggled to find parking space at Challenge to repair my phone.
While we cannot advocate for the removal of the wall, as it would be a wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money, we can propose alternative solutions.
I suggest that the governor consider installing nets or grids along the wall to enable visibility and prevent potential hideouts for criminals.
Furthermore, I urge the governor to explore alternative relocation options for the phone repairers, such as the site previously designated by former Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, adjacent to the NIMATONI building at Unity Junction in Ilorin.
This relocation would mirror the successful model of the Computer Village in Lagos State, providing ample parking space for customers and allowing the phone repairers’ businesses to thrive.
I advise the phone repairers to cease their protests and instead engage in constructive lobbying, a legitimate and lawful approach. By working together, we can find solutions that benefit all stakeholders. God bless Kwara State.
Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho
Human Rights Activist, Anti-corruption Crusader, Author, and Public Policy Analyst
January 25, 2025.