Secretary to the Government of Kwara State, Alhaji Isiaka Gold has said he would not be in government and watch while authorities take actions and decisions that could hurt the Ilorin Emirate and its environs.
Speaking against the backdrop of government land policy which has generated so much hoopla in the state and fuelled many speculations, the SSG reiterated that the Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed administration has no bad intention towards the people of emirate on the land policy.
In fact, Gold said he would not hesitate to throw in the towel should the interests of emirate be jeopardized by any government decision as a son of the soil.
The SSG spoke at the annual Sallah Dinner organised by Third Estate, an Ilorin elite forum in response to enquiries from the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Ibraheem Yahaya.
Yahaya had in his welcome address harped on the need for ample public enlightenment on the government urbanisation law and other salient policies aimed at developing the state.
“We advise His Excellency, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to widen the horizon of dialogue on various sensitive issues in the desire to rapidly develop the state”, the chairman had said.
However, the SSG who represented Ahmed at the colourful event held at the Banquet Hall of Kwara Hotel, Ilorin shortly after delivering the governor’s speech responded to the request that government should throw more light on the urbanisation law.
The SSG restated that Governor Ahmed would not develop policies that would hurt the interest of emirate or any part of the state whatsoever, noting that the urbanisation law was not driven by atrocious motive.
He assured that no rightful land owner would be exploited under any guise.
“The Land Use Act of 1978 is still in place. Under this Act, a land either belongs to the state or local government. What you need as a land owner is your Certificate of Occupancy”, the SSG said.
Gold had earlier chronicled the achievements of Governor Ahmed since inception in 2011 aimed at empowering women and youths and reducing poverty rate as well as providing essential amenities to the people of the state towards improving their living standard.
He solicited the input and support of members of the third estate in the task of consolidating on democratic gains in the state.
At the occasion, the forum presented congratulatory letters to two Ilorin Emirate indigenes who have just been appointed into leadership position. They are the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali and Chairman, Harmony Holdings.
SOURCE: National Pilot