Gov Abdulrazaq for Shut down Kwara Express, Sack Workers, PDP reacts
…Calls on Kwara Labour Leaders to Defend Affected Workers
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in the strongest terms the recent closure of Harmony Transport Services Ltd, popularly known as Kwara Express, and the unfortunate mass layoff of its staffers by the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led APC government. 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.
In a statement signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party expressed deep concern over Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s growing reputation for dismantling viable businesses, destroying livelihoods, and plunging the state into deeper poverty, noting 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.
The PDP, while demanding the immediate recall of all the affected workers of Kwara Express and their redeployment to the relevant government ministries, also calls on the Labour leaders in Kwara, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to stand firmly with the displaced Kwara Express workers who have been wickedly laid off in this harsh economic climate.
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 ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, 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.
Is it not appalling that Governor Abdulrazaq, who parades himself as ” Ijoba Mekunu” within nine months in the year 2023, spent ₦2.1 billion on transport and travel and is now paying hardworking Kwara express workers just 20k 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 PDP stands with the people of Kwara in rejecting this destructive governance and calls for Kwarans’ cooperation to rescue the state from the grips of current misgovernance and profligacy.
Signed:
Olusegun Olusola Adewara,
State Publicity Secretary,
Kwara PDP
