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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq to recall and redeploy workers of the state transport company recently shut down by the government.
The PDP made the call in a statement issued in Ilorin, the state capital, on Wednesday.
The Kwara State Government, last Thursday, announced the closure of Harmony Transport Services Ltd, known as Kwara Express, for the wholesome repositioning of the legacy firm for improved productivity, efficiency, and economic development.
A Government House statement said that the restructuring involved full payment of exit benefits to all the workers in the distressed company, with best wishes in their future endeavours.
A statement by Harmony Holdings Ltd, the body that manages all Kwara State government businesses, said “The overhaul will modernise the company’s fleet and infrastructure, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer service delivery.”
It added that recent customer feedback underscored the need for improvement, prompting decisive action.
The state PDP, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, condemned the closure of Harmony Transport Services Ltd and what it termed the unfortunate mass layoff of its staffers.
“This action, which comes at a time of significant economic hardship, is calamitous, insensitive, and reprehensible and further exposes the cruel nature of this administration,” the statement said.
“The PDP expressed deep concern over Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s growing reputation for dismantling viable businesses, destroying livelihoods, and plunging the state into deeper poverty.
“It noted that the closure of Kwara Express is yet another grim chapter in the governor’s record of economic mismanagement and poor governance that has deeply affected the people of Kwara.
“It is particularly disturbing that these workers, many of whom served the state for over 20 years, were disgracefully compensated with a meagre sum ranging from N20,000 to N30,000, insultingly tagged as an “Exit Benefit.”
“By heartlessly terminating their employment without considering the impacts on their families and mental health, the government is contributing to rising levels of depression and anti-social behaviour across the state,” it added.
It condemned the destruction of legacy projects which had been a source of pride for the state.
“Is it not appalling that Governor AbdulRazaq, who parades himself as ‘Ijoba Mekunu,’ within nine months in the year 2023, spent N2.1bn on transport and travel and is now paying hardworking Kwara Express workers just N20,000 parting reward?
“Furthermore, the PDP strongly condemned the Abdulrazaq government’s persistent destruction of legacy projects that have long been a source of pride for Kwara State.
“Kwara Express is just one among several economic hubs that have been killed by this administration, including Shonga Farms, Kwara Hotel, Kwara Stadium Complex, Dangote Flour Mills, Rothamedics Pharmacy, Crystal Shopping Complex, and countless other shops and businesses brought down by senseless demolitions.
“This is an unfortunate and condemnable legacy for a governor who, since taking office in 2019, has failed to attract any meaningful business to Kwara State,” the party said.
The PDP said it stood with the people of Kwara and called for their cooperation to rescue the state from misgovernance and profligacy.
The party demanded the immediate recall of all the affected workers of Kwara Express and their redeployment to relevant government ministries.
It also called on labour leaders in Kwara, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress, to stand firmly with the displaced Kwara Express workers who had been laid off.
