PDP demands transparency in healthcare spending, while government defends its record
A heated exchange of words has erupted between the Kwara State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the state government led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The dispute revolves around the implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy and the utilization of funds allocated for healthcare in the state.
Recall that in the latest Primary Healthcare Index report released by the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR), Kwara State was ranked as the third worst-performing state in primary healthcare across Nigeria.
This revelation comes as a result of data published by the renowned statistics firm, StatiSense.
According to the StatiSense report, Kwara State scored a meager 39%, placing it just above Akwa Ibom, which received a score of 38%, and Ogun State, ranking the lowest with a score of 26%.
Two other states, Kogi and Imo, also posted underwhelming performances, securing scores of 42% and 47%, respectively.
PDP’s Sholyment accuses APC of misappropriation
The crossfire began when Olusegun Olusola Adewara, also known as Sholyment, the Kwara State PDP Publicity Secretary, launched an attack on the Kwara State Government led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Sholyment released a statement accusing the APC-led government of misappropriating over N9.2 billion allocated for healthcare since 2019.
In his statement, Sholyment referenced a federal government’s PHCUOR report rating Kwara as one of the worst-performing states in Nigeria regarding primary healthcare.
He alleged corruption within the government and criticized the purported misallocation of funds towards healthcare, alluding to “audio projects” used as conduits for embezzlement.
APC’s Rafiu Ajakaye responds
In a swift response, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, penned an open letter addressing Sholyment.
Ajakaye began by expressing his surprise at Sholyment’s appointment, emphasizing the need for PDP, ‘s Sholyment to distance himself from his turbulent past and seek fresh leadership qualities.
Ajakaye then delved into the heart of the matter, criticizing Sholyment’s alleged lack of understanding of the PHCUOR policy.
He argued that Sholyment’s statement lacked a clear alternative policy position and urged the PDP to offer constructive policy alternatives instead of mere criticisms.
The CPS further clarified that the PHCUOR rating was not necessarily linked to the quality of healthcare service but rather the level of policy implementation.
He defended Kwara’s healthcare indices, citing improvements in under-five and maternal mortality rates.
He explained that the PHCUOR policy aimed to reduce fragmentation in healthcare delivery.
PDP’s Bashir Ashura joins the fray
Not wanting to be left out of the exchange, Bashir Ashura, a member of the Kwara PDP, responded to Ajakaye’s letter.
Ashura defended Sholyment’s appointment, citing a tradition of younger representatives in politics.
Ashura reiterated PDP’s stance on the PHCUOR policy, stating that it was a genuine concern about its implementation in Kwara.
He countered Ajakaye’s claims, arguing that while Kwara may excel in some health indices, there was still room for improvement.
Ashura maintained that the PDP did not oppose the policy but called for more effective implementation.
Ashura also reminded Ajakaye that the PDP had handed over documents outlining policies and programs in 2019 and was committed to promoting constructive political discourse and good governance in the state.
What next?
The ongoing war of words between the Kwara APC and PDP continues to captivate the attention of the state’s residents.
Both sides have presented their arguments, with the PDP demanding transparency and improved healthcare delivery while the APC defends its policies and achievements.