Kwara PDP condemns erection of Challenge walls, vows to remove all erected walls if elected in 2027
The Kwara state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the erection of walls against Challenge, Unity, Post Office by the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led APC government in the Ilorin metropolis.
According to a statement by Rt. Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, the state chairman of the party, the action is not only an act of economic sabotage but also a calculated attempt to strangle the poor masses and enterprising youth population of Kwara, who rely on these areas for their livelihoods.
Mohammed, while sympathising with all that are affected, especially those protesting the inconvenience melted with it, assured them that if PDP elected in 2027, it will remove the wall and all obstructing view while restoring access and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
The statement reads, “The PDP notes with dismay the agitation of young business owners and entrepreneurs operating in the Challenge, Unity, and Post Office areas, which are considered the largest business hubs in Ilorin. The erection of these thoughtless fences, which has effectively shut down access to small-scale businesses, demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for the devastating impact this will have on business owners, their families, and the local economy by the current administration.”
“Denying people access to their places of livelihood is not only callous but also an act of despotic recklessness. It is particularly shocking and deeply unfortunate that Governor Abdulrazaq ignored the years of hard work, personal sacrifices, and loans invested by these business owners before embarking on such a reckless, anti-people policy,” the statement added
The PDP chairman, however, called on security agencies to ensure the safety and rights of the protesting youth entrepreneurs.
He also urged the governor to reverse his earlier decision, saying if this persist, it could further escalate violence and criminal activities in the Ilorin metropolis as hundreds of young people lose their means of livelihood.
The Informant247 reports that traders and business owners at challenge, Ilorin on Monday staged a peaceful protest to expressed their inconvenience over the state government’s decision to fence off a major road of the Post Office Challenge area of Ilorin, the state capital.
The project, initiated by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to reduce traffic congestion in the area has put the traders and shop owners in danger against theft and accident and also restricted access to shops and offices in the bustling commercial hub, leaving traders frustrated and concerned about their livelihoods.
Protesters in their numbers were seen carrying placards with different inscription such as “Don’t kill us,” “Challenge is a central market, give us more entrances,” and “Single entrance can’t contain us.”
The traders criticised the government’s lack of consultation and transparency before commencing the project, adding that they would continue with their protests until the government heard their demand.
However, no reaction from the state government as at the time of filing this report.
