Anger In Kwara Community As Governor’s Aide’s Father Diverts Public Transformer To Private Compound
Residents of Tsaragi community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised an alarm over the diversion of a public electricity transformer by Alhaji Buhari Mohammed Makama, father of Sadiq Buhari, the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Social Investment.
A community leader, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, explained that the transformer, originally procured to improve electricity supply for the entire community, has been unlawfully relocated to Makama’s private compound.
According to the source, Makama has begun constructing a transformer house on his premises, in a move that contradicts the location previously agreed upon by the community.
“This transformer was meant for the entire Tsaragi community. It is a public asset, not a private inheritance,” the source said.
“Just because his son holds a political office does not give him the right to hijack what belongs to everyone. It is unacceptable.”
"A NEPA (Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company -IBEDC) official known as Isa Afro claimed that the Emir of Tsaragi approved the recommendation and directed that one of the transformers be sited in Makama’s compound. However, this is a blatant lie and far from the truth," the source added.
The development has created tension among residents, many of whom see it as a blatant abuse of power and privilege.
However, community members have called on the Kwara State government and relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure the transformer is installed at the intended public location.
Meanwhile, Prince Mohammed Karatun Tsaragi stated that the 22.5KVA transformer in Tsaragi should be returned to the public domain.
Prince Mohammed explained that incidents of electricity vandalism in Tsaragi have never occurred without the involvement, or at least the silent complicity, of Isa Afro and some other electricity workers.
He said, "Let me ask a simple question: how many transformers do we currently have installed in public places in Tsaragi? All the transformers that have served this community for decades have been placed openly in public spaces.
“But now, suddenly, a new transformer is being installed inside a private compound, all in the name of ‘preventing vandalism’?
"We are watching closely. And let it be clear that this shady arrangement won’t last forever. I know there are many people in Tsaragi who are unhappy with this but are too afraid to speak up because of Makama. Rest assured, Makama will not remain in power forever. I’m certain."
Prince Mohammed, on July 15, 2025, on behalf of the Tsaragi community, wrote an open letter to the Executive Chairman of Edu Local Government Area, Abdullahi Bello Ndamongoro, seeking clarification regarding the 22.5kVA transformer recently allocated to Tsaragi.
He explained that there is growing concern and confusion within the community, as they have received numerous distress calls and messages indicating that the transformer—believed to be part of the second phase of an ongoing project under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq—was allegedly being diverted for the personal benefit of the Makama of Tsaragi.
In the petition, he inquired whether the transformer had been officially allocated for the benefit of the entire Tsaragi community or gifted as a personal item to an individual.
He stated that if the latter is true, it raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of local governance.
He further noted that the revered traditional ruler, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Goshi, has never at any point in history kept a public transformer within his private residence. This, he said, makes the current situation particularly troubling and unacceptable.
While they do not place the blame solely on the Makama, he said their primary concern lies with the conduct of the local government leadership, which appears to be operating under selective and questionable directives. He described the situation as a direct affront to the principles of equity, accountability, and service to the people.
On behalf of the Tsaragi community, he therefore demands that the transformer be returned for public use and subjected to a transparent and open audit.
Should this demand be ignored, the letter noted that the community will have no choice but to escalate the matter by going public and submitting a formal petition to the state government, highlighting the unjust redistribution of local government resources into the hands of a privileged few.
The statement read, "We are writing on behalf of the people of Tsaragi and its surrounding communities to request an immediate clarification regarding the 22.5kVA transformer recently allocated to Tsaragi.
“There is growing concern and confusion, as we have received numerous distress calls and messages indicating that this transformer, believed to be part of the second phase of an ongoing project under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq—is allegedly being diverted for the personal benefit of the Makama of Tsaragi.
"We demand to know whether this transformer was officially allocated for the benefit of the entire Tsaragi community or gifted as a personal item to an individual.
“If the latter is true, it raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of local governance. Are public resources and funds meant only for a small circle of cronies in Tsaragi?”
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