The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kwara State Chapter, has congratulated all members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on the late-hour ₦50,000 grant announced by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting that corps members serving in the state deserve every legitimate support and encouragement for their service to the fatherland.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party said it is funny that a Governor who left corps members to their predicament for over seven years has suddenly remembered that NYSC corps members exist in Kwara State because an election is around the corner, and these young graduates will be taking a crucial part in the elections
Governor AbdulRazaq, who had refused to visit corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp when there was a threat of bandit attacks, has suddenly discovered a new love for young Nigerian graduates serving their fatherland.
“We congratulate our corps members on the new grant. They deserve even more encouragement and support for their services to our country. But we urge them not to be swayed by this new pattern of Governor AbdulRazaq’s late-hour love.”
As a party, we believe the timing of the gesture raises questions, especially considering that corps members could play important roles as Presiding Officers during the forthcoming elections.
“The party further noted the Governor’s recent visit to Lafiagi and other communities affected by flooding, describing the development as the Governor’s new normal as the election approaches.
Governor AbdulRazaq has previously failed to visit communities that suffered serious tragedies, including communities where residents were slaughtered in large numbers by armed bandits and where traditional rulers were kidnapped and killed.
The party specifically cited Omugo and Oro-Ago, noting that even when such incidents occurred, the Governor refused to visit or allow his Deputy to visit, despite Oro-Ago being the Deputy Governor’s home community.
Also, when Offa was hit by an object suspected to be explosives, the Governor equally failed to visit the community.
The party said the implication of these sudden visits and gestures is that the Governor could have visited and supported these communities at the time they needed him most but chose not to because he did not need the people then as much as he needs them now that an election is approaching.
The PDP urged Governor AbdulRazaq to go beyond the ₦50,000 grant and address the infrastructure deficits at the Yikpata NYSC Orientation Camp, with a view to upgrading the facility and ensuring maximum security for corps members so they can safely return to the camp.
