By: Abdulraheem Shuaib Agaka
It puts sadness in one’s mind to see the future of the country in jeopardy. The looks of tomorrow are in the hands of those controlling the affairs of today. From time immemorial, research showed that Nigeria had once been an enviable and remarkable country among its peers. This question is, what put an end to that glory? Are we not with the same resources used at the then time? If the answer is NO. Then, where are we exactly getting it wrong?
Many Nigerians are not oblivious to the recent research that pictures Nigeria as one of the top 5 leading countries in terms of corruption, robbery, and kidnapping. I doubt we didn’t borrow the title: “Giant of Africa” we are known for. Are we giantly demonstrating? Away from all jokes, it is crystal clear that there are no functional legislative arms of government in this country. The realm is seen as governed by cabals—not by the rule of laws.
However, the perfect example of robbery and heist is the ongoing turmoil in the State of Harmony, Kwara State. Before I proceed or travel to the main issue of Kwara Hotel, which has become the talk of the town here in Kwara and beyond. In a flash, let me remind the public that public offices are not the arenas of accumulating illicit wealth as some politicos think—rather it is a venue for community service. If you aim to become a billionaire via politics, you’re on the wrong side—the wrong track, of course.
It’s known already that political officeholders in Kwara State see the position as a means of quick wealth. But the Kwara Hotel issue fuels that ugly perception for the public to see. Is the Kwara Hotel the only legacy project in Kwara? How are we going to renovate the hotel with an amount that is about 330% of its market value/worth? This is off-topic.
Per the ENETSUD report, the market value of the KH was Five Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty-Seven Million, Four Hundred Thousand naira (₦5,427,400,000) only as of the year 2022. Props to the ENETSUD for opening the eyes of the public knowledge of the market value.
Dear Mr. Governor, you should be aware there are divergent areas in the state to touch that can empower the people of the state—rather than zeroing in on KH. I’m not saying we shouldn’t do the renovation but the contract sum is nothing but heist. There are fewer bids, after all.
However, I’m not here to side with anyone but I’m here to ventilate my sincere opinion as well concerned kwaran as it allowed in the democracy.
If at all the KWSG decides not to market again with the Crystal Group of Companies; a commission owned by one of its sons, which bidded for the KH concession at the rate of 3 billion in 2021, and also gained both the executive and legislative approval, I think there should be dialogue session between both sides before awarding the contract to the other company, Craneburg Construction Company. This is a big shame and disgrace to the KWSG for refusing to promote its citizens. Hope the government knows that it is contributing to the destruction of the said company economically.
Once again, 17.8 billion is huge, even heavier to throw at renovation, remodeling of the structures, electrification, interior decorations, and furnishings.
- Comrade Shuaib Agaka writes from Ilorin West Local Government Area
