PDP Condemns Abdulrazaq’s Gov't Assault on Press Freedom, Clampdowns on Dissenting Voices in Kwara
... Stands with NupeKoTV Lafiagi
The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent actions of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, in dragging a journalist to court for exposing the lies surrounding the government’s so-called water projects, particularly in the Lafiagi community. This act of intimidation is not only undemocratic but also a dangerous trend that threatens the fundamental rights of the people and the freedom of the press.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, of the PDP, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party commended NupekotvLafiagi, a media outlet that has provided a platform for the people of Lafiagi and other parts of Kwara State to voice their disapproval of the deceptive and mischievous propaganda being peddled by the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration, especially in the area of portable water provision. The bravery and courage displayed by NupekotvLafiagi in the face of intimidation is a testament to the resilience of the media in holding the government accountable to the people.
Since 2019, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his juvenile-filled cabinet have consistently deceived the public with claims of heavy investments in water projects, asserting that every household in Kwara now enjoys a smooth flow of government-provided water. These claims are far from reality, as Kwarans still rely on water vendors (Abokis) selling unsafe water in plastic gallons, jerricans conveyed on wheelbarrows to most parts of the state.
The recent outburst of frustration by the people of Lafiagi, Tanke, Gaa Akanbi, Offa Garage, Omu-Aran, Jebba, and Ilorin further exposed the administration’s falsehoods when the Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, went on a radio program to reinforce the deception that these communities now enjoy steady water supply. The people were so enraged by the fabrications that many called into the program to publicly confront and denounce him as a liar.
Instead of facing the facts and taking urgent steps to address the water crisis, Lade, in an embarrassing attempt to save face, resorted to distributing petty gifts to some farmers rather than fulfilling his primary duty.
Now, in an irresponsible, desperate, and shameful move, Commissioner Usman Lade has chosen to drag NupeKoTV Lafiagi to court, hoping to silence the truth and intimidate journalists who dare to expose the government’s failures. The PDP considers this a reckless abuse of power and a dangerous attempt to suppress free speech and silence the voices of suffering Kwarans.
It is particularly disgraceful that a young, emerging politician in a democratic setting would stoop so low as to wage war against the media instead of focusing on delivering tangible results.
The PDP views Commissioner Lade’s lawsuit against NupekotvLafiagi as a highly irresponsible and unreasonable tactic to intimidate and suppress the media into silence. This dishonourable act is unbecoming of a public official in a democratic setting and must be condemned by all well-meaning individuals and organizations. We stand in solidarity with NupekotvLafiagi and commend their officials for their bravery, courage, and innovation in amplifying the voices of the Kwara people to a global audience.
We call on media professionals in Kwara State, particularly the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), to rise to the occasion and defend the people against the oppressive tactics of the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration. The media owes society a social responsibility to defend the people, not those in power. Silence in the face of tyranny is no longer golden, and we must all stand united against any attempt to intimidate the media and the people of Kwara into silence.
As a state, we have reached a critical juncture where media silence is no longer golden. The Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq government has become a serial oppressor of journalists and media houses who dare to question its lies and misrule. Kwarans must resist this creeping dictatorship before it becomes a full-blown disaster.
The ongoing persecution of journalists in Kwara State is a stain on our democracy and should concern every well-meaning citizen. Across the state, media practitioners face threats, intimidation, and lawsuits simply for doing their jobs. This dangerous trend must be vehemently resisted before we descend into a lawless society where freedom of speech is completely erased.
The PDP warns Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his cohorts that no amount of intimidation, legal harassment, or propaganda can silence the collective voices of Kwarans who are fed up with deception, hardship, and failed promises. The people will continue to expose the truth, and no amount of government oppression will change the fact that Kwarans deserve better.
We stand firmly with NupeKoTV Lafiagi, the Indormant247 and all media practitioners who are facing persecution for simply carrying out their duties. The days of tyranny in Kwara will not last forever, and history will never be kind to those who suppress the truth and trample on the fundamental rights of the people.
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