A Kwara-based pro-democracy group, the People’s Voice Advocacy Network (PVAN) has expressed deep concern about what it described as the exploitation of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) for political gains, noting that the politicisation of a poverty alleviation programme is ‘unethical and disrespectful’ to Kwarans who genuinely need these interventions.
A statement issued on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, by PVAN’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Engr. Abdulraheem Kehinde, lamented that KWASSIP, which was established to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable Kwarans had been hijacked by political opportunists.
The group said the public display of partisanship by the agency’s acting Director General, Dr. Abdulwasiu Tejidini as evidenced by his recent welcoming of opposition party members into the ruling APC at KWASSIP office, raises questions about the agency’s mandate and responsibility. It added that it was unacceptable for the DG to assume the role of a political kingmaker, especially as he is neither the state APC chairman nor a local government party leader.
The statement reads in part: “It is deeply troubling to see KWASSIP, a once-promising initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and providing support to the most vulnerable in the state, being exploited for political gain . This programme, which was created to uplift Kwarans economically, has now become a pawn in the hands of political opportunists. The recent actions of the Acting Director-General of the agency, who is now actively involved in luring and receiving decampees from opposition parties into the ruling APC, is a clear indication that KWASSIP is no longer about empowerment but about serving political interests.
“How can the DG, who is neither the state APC chairman nor a local government party leader, assume the role of a political kingmaker? This blatant abuse of power and opportunity raises questions about his mandate and responsibility. It is also disappointing to note that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who is his employer sees nothing wrong in his actions and has failed to caution him.
“It begs the question: Was KWASSIP created to serve political interests? The politicization of a poverty alleviation programme is not only unethical but also deeply disrespectful to the people of Kwara who genuinely need these interventions. The flagrant misuse of power and state resources undermines the trust and mandate entrusted to the agency. The DG’s open involvement in party politics, especially in activities that fall outside his purview, signals that KWASSIP is no longer about the people but about power and politics. It is definitely not his job to welcome defectors or engage in partisan politics; his focus should be on the success of the programme, ensuring that it reaches those in need, and making a real difference in the lives of ordinary citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation.
“The actions of the DG have put KWASSIP’s credibility at stake as the agency’s initial goal of uplifting vulnerable Kwarans has been compromised, and its reputation tarnished. The people of Kwara State deserve better. It’s essential to restore KWASSIP’s original purpose and ensure that state’s resources allocated to the agency are utilized for the benefit of the community, and not for political agendas.
“We, therefore, demand a return to the founding principles of KWASSIP. This initiative should not be a playground for political actors seeking influence and control. Kwarans deserve better! KWASSIP is meant to be a vehicle for positive change, not a political tool to be manipulated at will. If this continues unchecked, the very essence of the programme will be destroyed and the people it was designed to help will be the ones to suffer most. It is important to separate politics from social intervention programmes. Governor Abdulrazaq should ensure that KWASSIP remains independent and focused on its core mission.”
