I am compelled to set the records straight by the deliberate fallacies and misinformation contained in an opinion article by one Tijani Saheed published on www.ilorin.info . At the very least, it is necessary to correct the false impression created by the highly-prejudiced article against the high-performing administration of Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed lest the people of Kwara become disheartened by this latest unjustified attack.

The author signals his overwhelmingly faulty argument by comparing the succession of power in Lagos, one of the most affluent states in the country outside the Niger-Delta, with infrastructural development in Kwara, and then proceeds to display shocking mischief about the widely-acknowledged successes achieved by Governor Ahmed since assumption of office through the laudable Shared Prosperity Programme. For the benefit of the good people of Kwara State, I will now set the records straight and illustrate the faults in the said article.

On the issue of the laudable Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES), the writer displays his desperation to sully the administration's positive strides through obvious omissions and muddled argument. It is incontrovertible that 2000 youths were employed under KWABES, a platform for transiting from unemployment to full employment, within the administration's first 100 days in office. With KWABES corps members receiving N10, 000 per month since,  government has so far spent close to N240 million on the scheme. Such is the novelty of the scheme that other states across the country have since copied it. Governor Ahmed also promised to absorb 80 per cent of the 2000 into permanent employment in the civil service within a year. He exceed this target on May 29th 2012 when 1400 of these youths received symbolic letters of employment into the state civil service. The governor in his magnanimity has since increased the number to 1430. On Wednesday, these youths will take their finals tests at the State Civil Service Commission as is customary with Civil Service employment. So, Mr. Saheed, there is no contradiction.  And the KWABES office, like other government agencies, always responds to formal requests for information. Let's not manipulate facts in a futile attempt to diminish Governor Ahmed's achievements. Those lucky 1430 youths will easily disagree with your misinformation.

Saheed further claimed that Governor Ahmed is responsible for the delay in workers' salaries. All concerned Kwarans are aware that the said workers are primary school teachers employed by local government councils. They are also aware that FG has reduced allocation to all tiers of government in Nigeria, with LGs suffering a N1.25 billion cut between May and July, apart from the delay in release of these reduced funds.  Thankfully, the outstanding salaries have since been paid. Only those unable to provide documentation to back their employment were unpaid for obvious reasons. However, the Governor has since directed that the process be accelerated in other to bring relief to the affected workers. Also last week, the LG chairmen at a joint press briefing with top government officials, debunked any notion that the state government was withholding LG funds. Rather, government has been paying 10 per cent of IGR to the LGs even though they have been unable to remit PAYE to the state government. I cannot hold brief for other states' LGs but check carefully and you may find they have been borrowing heavily from banks at astronomical rates to offset the shortfall in their allocations.

On the issue of Governor Ahmed's travels, the writer suggests investment trips are unnecessary when we have infrastructure challenges. Leaving aside the obvious fault in that argument, Ilorin, the state capital, has some of the best road networks in the country, supported by quality urban roads although challenges remain in certain areas. Kwara is very peaceful and enjoys harmonious relationship with labour and similar groups. Our airport boasts of the longest runway in the country outside Lagos and electricity supply trumps the national average. Little wonder that the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Police are establishing schools in Kwara while Governor Ahmed's investment trip to Netherlands has led to an MOU for the construction of 10, 000 housing units for public workers. Our future- focussed and development- oriented Governor is creating Shared Prosperity by attracting Foreign and Domestic investment to the state. If you cannot process or deal with that, you have my deepest sympathies.

Governor Ahmed's people-friendly policies have endeared him to the people. No amount propaganda, especially those devoid of facts, will distract him from his legitimate and God-given mandate.

Dr. Muyideen Akorede is the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Communication) to the Kwara State Governor

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