Date: 2017-12-31

Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje CON greeting the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR at the 2017 State Quran Recitation Competition held in Ilorin on Saturday

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, has expressed his confidence in the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed -led government in Kwara State in fulfilling the its campaign promises to the people of the state.

Baraje who spoke to journalists at the closing ceremony of the 2017 State Quranic Recitation Competition at the weekend noted that, "Although the outgoing 2017 was challenging to all and sundry, but I am optimistic that 2018 will the best for us all. "

He further made clarifications on his utterances at the national conference of the Ilorin emirate descendants progressives Union, (IEDPU) held recently stressing that, "All what I said there were not in anyway to pull down Governor Ahmed's government because I was part and parcel of the processes that produced the current administration in Kwara State."

According to him, "There is no rift whatsoever between myself and Governor Ahmed. He is my good brother whom I had in very high esteem and I have so much confidence in him.

"At the event, I said the persisting economic hardship that we are all experiencing is not peculiar to Kwara State and I further expressed optimism that things would change for better in coming years and that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki is relenting in his effort of ensuring that more dividends of democracy is brought to the state with the support of other stakeholders and fervent prayers from the masses.

"Have you ever seen a place where somebody will build house to completion, well furnished and therefore decide to pull it down with digger? It is not possible. The governor is highly intelligent and can also read between the lines. This is a government and we cannot do anything that will pull it down. Mischief makers will not succeed in their attempts to cause misconception and misunderstanding among the political ruling class in the state. "

"In fact, to the glory of God, the Senate President whom I represented at the event has not denied ever sending me the message I delivered and Governor Ahmed has not also told me that I have step on his toes", he added.

Speaking further, Baraje who is also a member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the APC commended President Muhammadu Buhari, over the appointment of some members of boards and parastatals noting that, "It is part of campaign promises fulfilment."

He however urged the masses to remain calm and resolute adding that "2018 shall be a year of opportunities for all", even as he wished Nigerians a prosperous and blissful New Year celebration.