15 issues that defined Ahmed’s first term

As Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed begins second term today (May 29, 2015), issues that defined his first four years in office, forms the thrust of this story

Allegation of Land Sales (New Eid Praying Ground, Emir's Palace, others): For Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the controversy generated by the allegation of land sales regarding Eid Praying Ground located along Irewolede Road, part of Emir of Ilorin's Palace among others, can never be forgotten in a hurry. Other lands rumoured to have been acquired by the government are that of Government Secondary School, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Sheikh Abdulkadir College, all within Ilorin metropolis. The Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union (IEDPU) was first to stirred the hornet's nest in a publication. The union registered its displeasure on what it called “Insensitive Land Policy of the State Government as encapsulated in the State Legal Notice No: 45/8 of September, 2009.”

It demanded the abrogation of the Kwara State Legal Notice No 17 of 2009, which declares Ilorin and the Ilorin Emirate an urban area. “The repulsive policy, which regrettably urbanizes all the land across the state and particularly as it affected both the main city of Ilorin and her environs cutting across the Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Ilorin East, Asa and Moro LGAs of the state is essentially insensitive, largely anachronistic and clearly unjustifiable,” the union was quoted to have said in the publication.

The publication added more heat to the hullabaloo considering the fact that IEDPU, a socio-cultural organisation put a face to the rumour which had gone viral beyond the shores of Kwara State.

The affected pieces of lands were allegedly acquired via Bureau of Lands under the leadership of Mr Tope Daramola as the Director-General. The development consequently, led to suspension of the Urbanisation Law of 2009 by the state government. The State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed said the suspension was to allow a reconsideration of the law by the State Assembly.

The State House of Assembly however waded into the matter by organising a public hearing to iron out the disturbing issues. At tension-soaked public hearing, Director –General told the stakeholders that: “We have never acquired any land since the creation of the Bureau, it is not in our record and since I assumed the leadership of Bureau of Lands I have not allocated any piece of land, not even a square metre to any religious organisation.” But his remarks fell on the deaf ears of the participants.

However, upon receiving the public hearing report at the floor presented to the parliament by its Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the House ordered repeal of the State Legal Notice No 45 published in the State Gazette Vol. 43 of 24th September 2009, which established the Urban Order.

“The Urban Order is not a law passed by the State House of Assembly; hence it lacks power to repeal it,” the house, said.

No doubt, it was the timely intervention of Razak Atunwa-led House that subdued the tension, but unarguably, the controversy has remained of the germane issues that defined Ahmed's first term in office.

Allocation Shortfall: Allocation Shortfall experienced in the first tenure of the governor undoubtedly almost cripples the state economy. The revenue allocation to Kwara has greatly suffered consistent downward which saw the monthly revenue to the state slide to N2.4bn overtime from its initial N3.45bn, which does not augur well for a state that requires about N300bn to be functional. However, despite the stringent conditions placed on access to loan facility from commercial banks and the capital market by the Federal Government, the state has been able to stay afloat through its well thought out 'financial engineering'. The governor has been able to bring to bear his requisite experience as a former state Commissioner for Finance.

The shortfall, however, was seen as political witch-hunting most especially that it worsened shortly after Ahmed alongside other four governors dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Congress (APC).

The immediate past state Commissioner for Finance, Demola Banu said the state was not unawares, hence, it had devised means to cushion the effect.

Banu said: "We have a governor who has the requisite experience who has prepared for the job. At the inception of this administration, we had a retreat and fashioned out a plan of what we wanted; we looked at what if there is a drop in allocation. So we were prepared for eventualities and so when it happened we were not taken unaware. That is why Kwara has been able to meet all its financial obligations”.

“We were prepared for it. We were not caught unaware. KWSG we have been able to meet all obligations; because of financial engineering that our governor has been able to do. He was a state commissioner for finance and gives necessary advice and supervision to the Ministry of Finance.”

Return of Elelu as Kwara CJ: The dramatic return of the former Chief Judge, Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb (retd) in 2012 was another one major issues that defined Governor Ahmed's first term.

In 2009, Elelu-Habeeb was removed on ground of alleged misconducts under the then governor Bukola Saraki. The first female Kwara CJ resorted to legal battle to reclaim her mandate which she eventually got judgement to return to office under Ahmed in 2012. While her purported removal lasted, Justice Ayinla Bamigbola (retd) and incumbent CJ, Justice Sulyman Durosinlohun Kawu were at various times in acting capacity.

However, Elelu-Habeeb upon clocking her mandatory age of retirement, bowed out of service while Bamigbola was appointed and confirmed as substantive CJ. Bamigbola equally retired on December 12, 2014, and that paved way for Kawu, the incumbent CJ to succeed him in office.

Offa/Erin-Ile Crisis: Offa-Erin-Ile Crisis was another major security issue which defined Ahmed's first term in office. In February 2013, the age-long communal clash between Offa in Offa Local Government and Erin-Ile in Oyun Local Government was renewed. Lives and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed in the fracas.

Recall that such crisis occurred during Dr. Bukola Saraki's administration. To forestall the clash, Ahmed swore-in Honourable Justice Adeyinka Sikiru Oyinloye –led ten-man judicial Commission of Enquiry waded into the Erin-Ile/Offa Communal crisis.

“As responsible government, we are determined to find lasting solutions to dispute arising within two communities so that such would not occur again, as whoever is found responsible will face the full wrath of the law irrespective of his or her status,” Ahmed said while inaugurating the committee.

Other members of the commission were; Barrister Abdulazeez Ayodeji Ibrahim, Alhaji A.R. Shehu, Mr. Job Afolayan, Mrs F.A. Lawal, Dr. Jelili Animashaun, ACP Mufutau Ayinde Abu, Mr. John O. Ojo, Lt Colonel A.H. Ahmed and Alhaji A.A. Yusuf.

The committee was charged to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crisis; the extent of damage to property; the number of lives lost and proffer immediate and long term measures to prevent future occurrences.

Apart from the commission put in place, Ahmed invited the major gladiators in the crisis, Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi and Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Abdulganiyu Olusookun for a peace meeting held at the Government House, Ilorin to ensure issues raised were dealt with once and for all. The governor ensured that the first class monarchs embraced each other after the meeting as a sign to show the public that what happened during the crisis has been put behind them and have resolved to forge ahead.

Re-naming of KWASU: As part of moves to immortalise the late Senate Leader of the Second Republic and Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the state government sent a bill on name change of the state-owned varsity (KWASU) into Abubakar Sola Saraki University (ASSU) to the state legislature in 2013.

In a letter dated May 14, 2013, titled “Kwara State University (Change of Name) Bill, 2012,” and sent to the state parliament, the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed equally proposed that the institution should be renamed as Sola Saraki University (SOSU).

A number of Kwarans most especially those from opposition political parties were against the proposal, claiming that KWASU is 'a collective property' of Kwarans and that it should not be renamed after Saraki.

At a public hearing held by the state legislature, pro-Sarakis dominated the scene with the Mogaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Woru Mohammed, boasting that “We can name Kwara State after Saraki...”

While passing the bill for the third time, the parliament adopted ASSU as new nomenclature for the state-owned varsity. Large per cent of stakeholders at the public hearing agreed on ASSU. The name change has however not been implemented till today after its approval and passage by the parliament.

Re-appointment of KWASU VC, Kwara Poly Rector: The re-appointment of the tenure of the Vice- Chancellor of State-owned varsity (KWASU), Professor Abdulrasheed Na'Allah for fresh tenure of five years, remains another germane issue.

A VC is appointed for five years single term not renewable, but for Na'Allah, who is the pioneer VC of the institution, his tenure was extended owing to what stakeholders called his “outstanding performances.” The law establishing the varsity was amended in that regard by the state assembly.

Explaining the rationale behind the tenure elongation, the Chairman, House Committee on Education and Human Capital Development, Hon. Nimota Ibrahim said, “All the stakeholders during a public hearing on the bill submitted that Na'Allah's brilliant performance had earned the institution 28 positions among 128 universities within five years of existence.

“All the stakeholders were in support for the pioneer Vice Chancellor to hold office for two consecutive terms of five years each.”

Similarly, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Alhaji Mas'ud Elelu enjoyed the tenure elongation. Elelu's re-appointment was not without controversy as some stakeholders listed a number of allegations on why he should not be returned. Alas, Elelu was able to scale through the hurdles of 'enemies.’

Probe of 9 LG Chairmen: In January 2013, no fewer than 9 local government councils were indicted for taking loans from banks and other sources 'without due approval from constituted authority.'

A report by the Kwara State Government's Committee identified the affected LGs to include Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Offa, Edu, Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Oke-Ero and Asa.

A letter sent to the state House of Assembly by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the committee was set up by the government to wade into what it described as mal-administration caused by “reckless spending, which culminated in mass-discontent and above all, the inability to pay staff salaries and fulfil other statutory obligations.”

The letter added that the committee recommended that all Chairmen found culpable, particularly in obtaining unauthorised loans should be sanctioned to serve as deterrent to others.

According to the letter signed in the hand of the governor, only Baruten and Kaiama LGs presented clean bills of health in that regard.

The development came up when the local governments' staffers recently spoiled for face-off with their respective chairmen over lateness in the payment of salaries.

As observed however, the report of the probe by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had died a natural death as it was never presented before the house until the indicted chairmen's tenure ended in October 2013.

National Pilot gathered that the report was 'killed' because the probe could be counter-productive and spell doom for government.

Kawu vs Bamigbola: There was resurgence of Ilorin and Igbomina bicker over who was to replace Elelu-Habeeb upon retirement as CJ in 2012. The two most senior judges, Bamigbola and Kawu had served in acting capacity as CJ. But going by the conventions in the appointment of CJ, the most senior judge usually replaces the outgoing one.

Section 271 (4) of 1999 Constitution states that, "If the office of the Chief Judge of a state is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the governor shall appoint the most senior judge of the High Court to perform those functions."

For the appointment of the substantive CJ, the governor is required to recommend three names to the National Judicial Council (NJC) form which the judiciary's highest decision-making will approve one, usually the most senior.

While making recommendation to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for Elelu-Habeeb's replacement, Governor Ahmed put forward Kawu's name as against Bamigbola who was then most senior Judge after exiting Judge. Bamigbola being an Igbomina man, hails from Omu-Aran, while Kawu hails from Ilorin, hence, the appointment threw up dust over who was to occupy the apex judicial office in the state.

Alas, the controversial matter got settled when the NJC threw out Governor Ahmed's recommendation, ordering that such recommendation should be made in the order of seniority. The governor, however, adhered to the NJC's directive by recommending Bamigbola, which was approved by the NJC.

The NJC took the decision alongside Justice Olubunmi Oyewole's planned elevation as Chief Judge of Osun State and Justice Binta Nyako's recommendation by her husband, former Bamigbola was appointed in September, 2012 and subsequently confirmed the substantive CJ by the State House of Assembly in January, 2013. He retired in December, 2014, giving way for Kawu as substantive CJ without much ado.

Agbarere/Idi-Ape community clash: The clash by hoodlums at Agbarere and Idi-Ape areas of Ilorin was recent among the civil unrest experienced under the first term of Governor Ahmed. Houses were burnt while other properties were destroyed.

About 100 suspected hoodlums are standing trails before Magistrate Courts in Ilorin. While some were remanded, others were on bail as the trail continues.

Recall there was protest recently by the victims of the crisis over the alleged release of the suspected hoodlums. The issue is now being properly handled by the state government with the introduction of the security Joint Task Force to rid the state capital of hoodlums, crimes and criminality.

Ganmo-Gana Crisis: Another civil unrest in Ahmed's first term was the clash between factions in Ganmo, a community along Offa-Ajase-Ipo Road, Kwara State. Two persons were killed while six others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Also, seven houses and three cars were set ablaze during the clash.

The traditional rulers affected in the chieftaincy clash, Oniganmo of Ganmo, Alhaji Anafi Zubairu and his Olugana counterpart, Alhaji Abdullahi Atanda Kolawole, were remanded while the trial lasted.

N23bn Bond: Upon the redeem of N17bn bond obtained during the second term of Dr Bukola Saraki's tenure, Gov. Ahmed had proposed to obtain fresh N23bn bond from the capital market since the year 2014.

There have been a lot of outcry from the opposition against the access of the proposed bond and many believe it would put the state into generational debt.

While the government claimed it had met all the requirements at obtaining the bond, yet, it has not been able to obtain the bond from the capital market.

Speaking on projects to be executed on the proposed bond, Banu, the immediate past Commissioner for Finance said: “We want to build 302 classrooms that will affect about 30, 000 students. We also endure we complete all the on-going capital projects before end of this administration's tenure. These include; Pada-Patigi Road, Share-Oke-Ode Road, Arandun-Oriarerun Road among others. We also want to complete Ilorin Water Project. We also want on embark on new ones which includes; Kisi-Kaiama Road. We have some many projects to be done on this project.”

Return of Private Schools: There was controversy over request from the missionaries to the state government to return the missionary schools to them being the original owners. This led to protest in some quarters, particularly in the state capital which involved Christian leaders of St. James Christ Apostolic Church Secondary School, New Eid Road, Ilorin; St. Barnabas Primary and Secondary Schools, Ilorin; St. John Secondary and Primary School, Maraba, Ilorin and St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin.

There were also protests in schools owned by the Cherubim and Seraphim, Catholic Church, ECWA and Methodist.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, however told journalists that the government was ready to return missionary schools to the owners but that due process must be followed. He said the government had already sent a bill to the state House of Assembly to either amend or repeal the 2006 Education Law in the state.

Ahmed said, “There are two types of schools; the first one is government-owned and the second one is privately owned but government grant-aided some schools. The government-owned are straight-jacketed; the grant-aided ones have entered into agreement with the government under Kwara State Education Law on how grant-aided schools are supposed to be run.

“Once you build a school, either a faith-based, community-based, owned by individuals or groups and you desire to seek for grant-aiding by government, then they would be run under the Kwara State Education Law on grant-aiding of schools. And those schools give the proprietors limited power and give government limited power. This is how schools have been run so far.”

Renovation of 5 general hospitals: As part of his administration commitment to delivering accessible health care services, Governor Ahmed renovated and upgraded 5 general hospitals across the three senatorial districts of the state during his first term. They are General Hospitals, Ilorin, Share, Omu-Aran, Offa and Kaiama in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

Former Head of State, General Abubakar Abdulsalami performed the ground-breaking commission of the General Hospital, Ilorin where the former military leader commended Governor Ahmed’s health programme drives.

KWABES/ Quick Win: The establishment of Kwara State Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES) and ‘Quick Win,’ being youths empowerment programmes will no doubt outlive his administration considering the fact that thousands of youths were taken off the street.

While the office of the Secretary to the State Government oversees the ‘Quick Win,’ the office of Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment was in charge of KWABES.

Remarkably, 5, 200 youths were engaged through KWABES and about 2,000 were also engaged under QUICK WIN. The two programmes have earned the governor accolades across the state most especially among the youths.

Alapa/Bororo Crisis: There were civil disturbances in Alapa, Asa Local Government Area of the state between Yoruba and Fulani/Bororos over grazing land. Also, just like the case of Offa and Erin-Ile, lives were lost and properties were destroyed.

The Hon. Justice Emiworogi Baba Mohammed –led Judicial Commission of Enquiry's terms of references include: the immediate and remote causes of the civil disturbances and the number of communities involved; the circumstances leading to loss of lives during the crisis; the number of lives lost; the persons who possessed firearms during the civil disturbance; the extent of loss or damage to properties and possible solutions and recommendations to avoid future re-occurrence.

To avert possible recurrence, the state parliament urged the government to provide alternative grazing-land for the fulanis in the state.

The issue also define Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed's first four years as it was effectively managed.