CALL FOR ASSET DECLARATION ON GOVERNOR ABDULRAHAMAN ABDULRAZAQ

CALL FOR PUBLIC ASSET DECLARATION ON GOVERNOR ABDULRAHAMAN ABDULRAZAQ

Now that Governor of Oyo, Engineer Seyi Makinde has shown the way by declaring his Assets publicly, I think our Governor of Kwara state should not wait till Kwarans rise up to demand for it before he do justice to it . Every responsible and sincere leaders are embracing this in their public service and political morality demands that our Touring Governor also toe this path of honor.

 

Irrespective of what insults the Government praise singers hurl at us or harassments from sponsored State security agents, as representatives of people and voices for the voiceless Kwarans , we will not stop at anything to ensure the Government works for all Kwarans through showcasing accountability and Transparency in the process of Governance.

 

Consequently, Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq should exhibit political decency by declaring his Assets Publicly so that his Deputy , Chief Kayode Alabi and other prominent office holders can also follow suit. A leader must at least show good examples that his subjects must follow at all times.

This is not about criticism or opposition but a pathways to hold our leaders to be accountable to the people who elected them .

 

Public Asset declarations of Government officials are a powerful tool to prevent corruption, detect illicit enrichment and conflicts of interests. According to the World Bank, more than 150 countries have introduced asset disclosure requirements for their public officials and all these countries are progressing in their respective territories. They will also attract more respect from international community and rate of foreign investors going to such countries will be jerked up .

 

Though the current Nigeria law does not make it mandatory for political office holders to make public , the declaration of their assets but a sincere leader who is truly ready to serve and have nothing to hide will do anything even outside the constitution to establish his or her sincerity. This is why leaders across boards are going extra mikes to prove their sincerity by going extra miles in Asset Declarations.

 

Dear Governor Abdulrahaman , Making Public disclosure of your private assets including all public officials that will be working with you and family members does not clash with the rights to your privacy and data protection.

Prevention of corruption and exposing unexplained wealth of public officials are serious and legitimate public interests and Kwarans will not treat this with kidgloves especially now that our neighbouring states are imbibing the doctrine.

Corruption is a serous threat to our collective security and can undermines the well-being of citizens and also formed one of the basis with which you and your party criticized the past administration especially Dr Bukola Saraki using various mischievous concoctions of lies and unsubstantiated propaganda to paint him black before the citizenry. Courtesy therefore demands that you be guided to live by what you and your party preached.

 

Since Limitations on the privacy of public officials by requiring them to disclose their income, assets and liabilities serves the public interest, we enjoin your excellency to listen to calls of reason and endeavour to declare your asset public while other government top functionaries also follow suits

Most especially now that Mr Governor is approving contracts funding of N350millons and more himself without forming state executive council which is constitutionally empowered to commit such huge amount of state fund into various projects that are to be prosecuted by the state government, this is the best time to declare your Assets so that the citizens can monitor effectively the resources that are put in your care .

 

I’m yours Sincerely,

Sholyment Olusegun Olusola