- …lauded former Gov. Lawal’s achievements.
THE INFORMANT247
17-03-2018.
An All Progressive Congress group, Hausa APC community, has decried the marginalisation of Hausa communities in the appointment of political offices, and
also
what they described as imbalance in the provision of infrastructure, in the state.
One of the group’s Chieftain, who pleaded anonymity, spoke to newsmen in Ilorin yesterday, after a press conference organised by the group to address crucial issues affecting the Hausa communities in Kwara state.
The Chieftain expressed displeasure with the way the Hausa communities had been treated during last and present administration.
He lamented that they spent time, resources and took risks and withstood threats while moving round the state to mobilise their people to support the party during the previous elections, but that they had never been appreciated.
He further explained that despite having 18% of the state population, who voted massively during elections, to prove their worth , they were relegated and neglected as soon as government is formed.
He said, “We have patiently watched with all humility, the sidelining of Hausa communities in the political appointments made till date by our party, All Progressive Congress.”
“These are people who worked out their hearts and spent their resources , sometimes at the detriment of their families; travelled the length and breadth of the state to get a fair deal and mobilise their people to vote for; justice; good governance; and equity; which in turn brought this party into power.”
“We worked tirelessly and selflessly to get our great party to the seat of government . We were resolute in our cause to secure the seat of power for our great party , the APC and the progressives even in the face of several humiliation and threats.
“Unfortunately , we were neither appreciated, nor recognised for our bravery and i can only wonder how we will be able to convince our people once again to vote for our party despite being neglected persistently.
A member, Abubakar Dan Gari, who spoke to The Informant247 correspondent said while other SouthWest States recognise the contributions of Hausa communities in their state, the reverse is the case, here, in Kwara.
“What we’re saying is that, the Hausa communities too should be giving appointments in government because we are born and breed here and thus, become a part of this state constituting 18%. However, I must say that we stand for merit. We do not stand for mediocrity. We would only support and back any party ready to give us attention in the coming elections, the state government should take note of that.” -Dan Gari said.
Also speaking earlier is another leader of the group, who as well craved anonymity.
He observed that the last time the Hausa community was recognised was during the administration of the late Governor, Rear-admiral Muhammad Alabi Lawal, who did not only exposed them to politics but also support them financial and put them into consideration while alloting political offices.
“the last administration that remembered the Hausa communities is that of former governor Lawal, who is now late. Then, among his achievements were; exposing the Hausa communities into politics; giving out 3 exotic cars to the Communities members, and one to sarkin hausawa; placing the sarkin hausawa, and other Hausa traditional rulers on monthly salaries; sponsoring Hausa community members to Hajj and Umrah; giving out contracts to members of Hausa community; and giving out employment to our members, among others too numerous to mention.
While concluding his address, he urged the incumbent governor and also the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who doubles as the political leader in Kwara State to emulate the late governor by providing a very favourable political atmosphere to the Hausa people in the State.