Kwara State Under Saraki vs Otoge: A Tale of Two Eras
Senator Bukola Saraki recently granted an interview to Channels TV, claiming that Kwara state was better under his watch than it is today. However, the response to his statement was swift and dismissive, with many questioning the basis for comparison between the two eras. The state's infrastructure development, particularly in the capital city, has undergone significant changes since 2022, making it difficult for even the visually impaired to navigate.
Senator Saraki attempted to shift the focus to security issues, citing banditry and terrorism as major concerns. While it is true that these issues affect the entire West African region, Kwara state has made significant strides in addressing them. The state government has recruited forest guards, supported communities in building resilience, and provided welfare to victims within ethical boundaries.
In contrast to Saraki's claims of improvement in various sectors, the Otoge administration has made significant progress in education, workers' welfare, social security, healthcare, and fiscal prudence. For instance, the Otoge government has paid off the salary and pension debts left by the Saraki-inspired administration, amounting to billions of naira. Additionally, the Otoge administration has hired more basic school teachers, revived the Teachers Salary Allowance, and approved a peculiar allowance for core civil servants.
The claims made by Senator Bukola Saraki are nothing short of platitudes, devoid of facts and evidence. The Otoge administration has made significant strides in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The creation and accreditation of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria is a testament to the administration's commitment to producing and training good doctors. The fact that Kwara state is now among the top highest salary payers for medical house officers is a clear indication of the administration's strategy to keep doctors in the public health system. It is high time for Senator Saraki to acknowledge the progress made by the Otoge administration and stop comparing apples with oranges.
