The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has condemned the fencing of areas in the Ilorin Metropolis against roadside traders.
The traders dominate Challenge, Unity, Post Office, and other key business areas in the metropolis.
According to the PDP, this action is not only an act of economic sabotage but also a calculated attempt to strangle the masses and the enterprising youth population of Kwara, who rely on these areas for their livelihoods.
The party, on Monday, sympathised with the affected victims of what it called “the draconian economic strangulation scheme, especially those protesting this despicable act of the government.”
It promised to reverse the action if voted into power in 2027, saying: “We assure them that if elected in 2027, a PDP-led government will prioritize the immediate removal of all these oppressive walls, restoring access and opportunities for businesses to thrive.”
“The PDP notes with dismay the agitation of young business owners and entrepreneurs operating in the Challenge, Unity, and Post Office areas, which are considered the largest business hubs in Ilorin.
“The erection of these thoughtless fences, which have effectively shut down access to small-scale businesses, demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for the devastating impact this will have on business owners, their families, and the local economy by the current administration.
“Denying people access to their places of livelihood is not only callous but also an act of despotic recklessness. It is particularly shocking and deeply unfortunate that Governor Abdulrazaq ignored the years of hard work, personal sacrifices, and loans invested by these business owners before embarking on such a reckless, anti-people policy.”
The party urged security agencies to “rise above the governor’s recklessness and ensure the safety and rights of the protesting youth entrepreneurs.”
It warned that the governor’s action, if unchecked, could further escalate violence and criminal activities in the Ilorin metropolis as hundreds of young people lose their means of livelihood.
A statement by the party’s state chairman, Babatunde Mohammed, advised the protesting traders to conduct themselves peacefully and “not play into the governor’s hands. We assure Kwarans that the PDP government in 2027, In-sha Allah, will reverse this executive rascality and dismantle all structures erected to suppress economic growth and strangle the poor masses.”