The recent boat tragedy in Kwara State, which claimed the lives of hundreds of individuals, has sparked outrage as it has been revealed that the state had received a donation of lifejackets from the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) since 2022. The shocking revelation has raised questions about the state government’s failure to distribute the life-saving equipment.
While the people of Kwara were mourning the devastating loss of lives, the state’s First Lady was seen partying and dancing in Lagos and Abuja. This has further fueled the public’s anger and frustration towards the government’s lack of empathy and responsiveness during such a tragic event.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a belated and seemingly dishonest move, finally decided to bring out the hoarded lifejackets after the boat tragedy occurred. The delayed action and the revelation of the hoarded lifejackets have raised serious concerns about the competence and integrity of the state government.
The HYPPADEC, in its mandate to save lives in hydro power-producing states, had initiated the distribution of 10,000 life jackets to riverine communities in Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue. The managing director of the commission, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, flagged off the distribution in Minna, the capital of Niger State, emphasizing the importance of life jackets in preventing boat mishaps and saving lives.
Yelwa highlighted the tragic loss of lives in Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Plateau states due to the unavailability of life jackets. Out of the 10,000 units, only 3,170 units were distributed to the riverine communities in Niger State, while the remaining life jackets were supposed to be sent to the other five states, including Kwara.
The revelation of the hoarded lifejackets has exposed the incompetence and negligence of the Kwara State government, which failed to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens. The delayed distribution of life jackets and the subsequent tragedy have led to accusations of “medicine after death” and incompetence on the part of the government.
The people of Kwara are demanding answers from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and holding him accountable for the loss of lives that could have been prevented if the life jackets had been distributed in a timely manner. The governor and his administration now face serious allegations of negligence, dishonesty, and incompetence in handling the boat tragedy and ensuring the safety of the people of Kwara.
