12/06/2024
*"Kwara State Government's Mecca Sponsorship Saga; A Misguided Priority"* - PUG
A political group under the umbrella of people's democratic party, PDP Unifier Group (PUG) has berated Kwara State Government's Mecca Sponsorship, called it "Misguided Priority".
This was contained in a press release through its state Publicity Secretary, *Comrade Abdulrasaq Ismail(Archy)* and signed by its State Secretary, *Alhaji Mohammed Al Mubarak.*
"The recent decision by Kwara State Government (KWSG) to sponsor over 150 individuals for 2024 pilgrimage to Mecca using public funds has sparked considerable controversy within the state. This move, ostensibly aimed at fostering religious observance, reveals several glaring issues that demand scrutiny and critical reflection.
Below are our observations which revealed hypocritical nature and reckless spending of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led KWSG in this period, especially, where Kwarans are faced with unprecedented hardships, including insecurity, where such huge fund could have appropriately been directed to:
*Hypocrisy and Broken Promises*
Firstly, this action starkly contrasts with the previous criticisms made by the current administration and its supporters against the former Government. They had lambasted the past regime for misuse of public funds, promising a new era of fiscal responsibility and prioritization of public welfare. This sponsorship not only betrays those promises but also highlights a disturbing continuity of the same practices they once condemned.
*Misallocation of Public Funds*
The allocation of public resources for such a purpose raises serious questions about the government's priorities. At a time when many critical sectors in Kwara State, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, are in dire need of funding, diverting money to sponsor pilgrimages is indefensible. Public funds should be utilized to improve the lives of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, rather than catering for a select few for religious purposes.
*Favoritism and Inequity*
Even though their action betrayed their stand against the then Governments, they did theirs with high level of favoritism and inequality. The distribution of pilgrimage slots revealed a troubling pattern of favoritism. Reports indicated that some clerics were allocated five(5) to ten(10) slots each while some public office holders and almost all TIC chairmen were sponsored. This selective allocation underscores a misuse of public funds to curry favor with influential figures and political allies, rather than genuinely serving the communities' needs. It is particularly egregious that the poor and needy, who would benefit mostly from state support, were largely excluded from this initiative.
The sponsorship of over 150 individuals for the pilgrimage to Mecca by the Kwara State government, particularly under the guise of public funds, is a stark reminder of the challenges of ensuring accountable and equitable governance. This act represents a misallocation of resources, a betrayal of public trust, and an exploitation of religious sentiments for political purposes. It is imperative for the government to realign its priorities towards genuine public service and to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency in all its dealings.
The people of Kwara State deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their welfare, uses public funds responsibly, and adheres to the promises made to them. It is time for the administration to reflected on its actions and to commit to the principles of good governance that it once hypocritically championed."
E-Signed:
*Alhaji Mohammed Almubarak*
PUG State Secretary
Through
*Comr. Abdulrasaq Ismail (Archy)*
Publicity Secretary
12/06/2024
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