A Group under the aegis of Kwara South Opinion Leaders (P7) says recent calls for the resignation of the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi due to the Security Challenges in the Senatorial District is misleading and Unjust.
Coordinator of the Group, Jide Usman Agunjin while reacting to the calls in a statement made available to The Drum Reporter said labeling as inactive or a “weakling” ignores the structural limitations deliberately imposed on his office.
We write in strong response to the recent petition and public criticisms directed at the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi, particularly concerning allegations of inaction over insecurity in his hometown and Kwara South at large.
First, it is important to clarify the constitutional and administrative realities of governance. The Office of the Deputy Governor is not autonomous. The Deputy Governor operates strictly within the directives and authority delegated by the Governor, who remains the Chief Executive and Chief Security Officer of the state. Therefore, attributing the current security challenges in Kwara South solely to the Deputy Governor is both misleading and unjust.
Mr. Kayode Alabi does not possess independent executive powers to approve major expenditures, deploy security forces, or implement state-wide security policies. In fact, his operational capacity is significantly limited, reportedly to the extent that approvals beyond minimal financial thresholds are outside his jurisdiction. This reality must be acknowledged in any fair assessment of his role.
Secondly, labeling the Deputy Governor as inactive or a “weakling” ignores the structural limitations deliberately imposed on his office. His perceived silence or restraint should not be mistaken for complacency but understood within the context of political and administrative constraints. His actions, like those of any Deputy Governor, are tied to the directives of his principal.
There have also been calls for his resignation. However, such suggestions fail to consider the political consequences within Nigeria’s context, where Deputy Governors who resign or fall out with their principals often become politically sidelined and lose any remaining capacity to influence governance or advocate for their people. Remaining in office, therefore, can be a strategic decision aimed at preserving relevance and the possibility of future impact.
Furthermore, the ongoing insecurity in Kwara South and Kwara North must be viewed as a broader systemic issue. It is noteworthy that these regions—both politically significant in terms of future electoral strength—are the most affected by banditry and kidnapping, while Kwara Central remains relatively less impacted. This pattern raises serious concerns that deserve thorough investigation.
Communities in these affected areas are being gradually displaced, with residents abandoning their homes due to fear. This trend not only threatens lives and livelihoods but also has potential implications for voter participation and regional representation in future elections.
There are also legitimate concerns regarding the activities of certain individuals operating under the guise of mining. Reports suggest that insecurity may be enabling the depopulation of resource-rich communities, thereby creating opportunities for unchecked exploitation of mineral resources. This allegation calls for urgent and transparent investigation by relevant authorities.
We therefore call on:
– The Kwara State Government to urgently address the worsening security situation across all senatorial districts, particularly Kwara South and Kwara North.
– Security agencies to investigate the root causes of these attacks, including possible links to illegal mining activities.
– The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), both at the state and national levels, to intervene and ensure unity, fairness, and accountability within the party structure in Kwara State.
– The Federal Government to take immediate steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further displacement of citizens.
Finally, we urge the public to refrain from unfairly targeting the Deputy Governor for circumstances beyond his constitutional authority. Constructive criticism should be directed appropriately, with a clear understanding of governance structures and responsibilities.
Kwara State belongs to all its people, and its peace and security must be treated as a collective priority.
Signed:
JIDE USMAN AGUNJIN
COORDINATOR.,
KWARA SOUTH OPINION LEADERS(P7)
