To every beginning there is an end. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the sun. Eight (8) years ago, you stood before the entire world to be inaugurated, as ordained by Allah, as Governor of our dear Kwara State, through the power of our votes, love and support for you and most especially the Saraki dynasty, which remains unprecedented in many respects. Truly, the journey did not start on May 29, 2011. It commenced much earlier.
Recall that we, the good citizens of the State of Harmony, trooped out en mass giving you the unique privilege to serve two terms of eight years in office.
At your inauguration in the first and second term, you made solemn commitment to work for us, the good people of Kwara State, at all times and in all seasons.
You enunciated by your campaign manifesto to bridge the gap between the government and the governed; bring succour to the blighted lives of the poor and weak amongst us; give a fresh hope to our women and youths; upgrade our environment; and generally reposition our State for the good. The rest is now history.
Today, eight years on, by the special grace of the Almighty God, It is now time to go and turn over the baton of state to another governor. As you take your exit, you must recall, in modesty, and let your conscience be your judge if you have truly served us well.
Yes, your administration recorded successes in some areas of governance, maybe they are not known to the public which is why your administration remains the most criticized in the history of Kwara State. If you must know, many believe your administrative styles and the non-compliance with public Interest led to the recent debacle faced by Saraki dynasty.
As a governor, through the instrumentality of your intervention, the revenue drive of Kwara State is ranked one of the best in Nigeria. An appraisal and feedback of your programs and policies on education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, payment of salaries, urban renewal and physical planning, socio-political and traditional institution, environment and ecology brought us to where we are today.
Yes, as an individual, you may be satisfied with your performances but your best wasn’t enough. Your Excellency, if no one could tell you this bitter truth, let this stables be the first to tell you that majority of Kwarans are not happy with you. As a matter of truth, Kwarans want your days to run out like a speedy rocket so they could breath a sigh of relief. The general believe is that, ‘there is a governor but his government is not working’.
To make it worse, every of your administrative shortcomings are attributed to Saraki being your godfather, leader and benefactor. However, if loyalty hinders performance it is called stupidity. One would expect much from whom much is given like you, sir.
To everything there is a season, so the holy book says. It is time now for you to go, having enjoyed the unique privilege of serving as our Governor these past eight years. We thank you for what you were able and unable to do. We thank you for not been able to pass on power to a fellow Sarakite. We thank you for the sacrifices.
By this hour of tomorrow, you’ll be addressed as former governor of Kwara State. That alone is a big sermon for you and all of us. May we then commit you, into the safe hands of the Almighty God, on whose shoulder the governance of our State has rested these past eight years. To Him alone be all the glory.
Thank you and God bless.
©Kwara Gong.