Political Office and Development in Ilorin, By Dr Yusuf Lawal
A recent study has shown that occupation of high political offices such as that of President, Governor, Minister, Chief Executive of MDAs does not necessarily translate to concrete development of the locality of the holders of such offices, particularly development that can galvanise the economy and serve as catalyst for good and meaningful living. Example has frequently been cited of Northern Nigeria that has produced many high ranking political office holders from Prime Minister to Presidents, Heads of State, Minister and too numerous to mention. Yet, the southern part of Nigeria, with fewer number of political office holders still continue to be more developed.
Coming home to Ilorin, and particularly focusing on the periods of Governors MAL (4 years), ABS (8 years) and AA (2 years and still counting), how has this period impacted on the development of Ilorin?
Please, no sweeping or political statements, let us list those things that we consider as positive development that are empirically verifiable. We are NOT rating or ranking the Governors please, because the circumstances under which each of them served differ. Our objective responses may be helpful, and serve as compass for our decisions individually and collectively as a people in the immediate future, and these may equally be helpful to situate certain things in proper perspective.
For Example, between 1999 and 2003,
●Primary health centre was built in each ward.
Between 2003 and 2011
●First Overhead Bridge in Ilorin was constructed
2019 to Date
● Rehabilitation of Ilorin township roads, paving and interlocking of footpaths
Kindly list the positive development as you are aware of them during these combined periods of governance our indigenes.
CAUTION: THIS IS NO POLITICS, THEREFORE RESPONSES BEING ELICITED SHOULD BE DEVOID OF SENTIMENTS AND EMOTION..
