A civic advocacy group, The Kwara Alternative, has condemned what it describes as “irresponsible and shameful” budget priorities by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Kwara State House of Assembly, following revelations that ₦1.4 billion was allocated for luxury vehicles while only ₦350 million was set aside for security in the state’s 2025 budget.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Secretary for Public Engagement and Strategic Communication, Engr. Ridwan Elemosho, the group accused the government of prioritizing “bulletproof SUVs and convoy sirens” over the safety and well-being of citizens in terrorized communities across Kwara North and South.
According to the group, recent investigative reports and budget data confirmed by SaharaReporters reveal the following breakdown: ₦867 million earmarked for lawmakers’ vehicles, and another ₦569 million for official cars including Prado Jeeps, buses, and Hilux vans. Meanwhile, rural communities like Kaiama, Edu, Ifelodun, Baruten, and Patigi continue to suffer deadly attacks, kidnappings, and mass displacement with little government intervention.
“This is not governance; it is political gluttony,” the statement read. “While our people die in silence, their lawmakers ride in luxury.”
The group also highlighted that ₦91 million was expended on office maintenance in the first quarter of the year alone, calling it a glaring sign of misplaced priorities.
The Kwara Alternative has demanded an immediate budget review to prioritize security and emergency response, a full audit of all vehicle-related spending, and a strategic plan to address insecurity through community engagement and support for local vigilantes.
It further urged the Kwara State House of Assembly to “rise above selfish indulgence and legislate with conscience, not comfort.”
As insecurity worsens in remote villages like Kemanji, Duruma, Tenebo, and Yashikira, the group called on civil society, the media, and opposition voices to speak out and hold the government accountable.
“Kwara deserves better,” the statement concluded. “Our silence ends now.”
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