From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Chairman of Kwara State Geographic Information Service (CIS), Abdul Kareem Suleiman, has dismissed claims that the recent demolition of a property belonging to an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mashood Mustapha, was politically motivated.
Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Ilorin on Wednesday, Abdul Kareem clarified that the demolition of the Crystal Shop mall, which took place on Sunday night, was due to violations of the state’s urban planning laws. He explained that the mall breached the road setback on Ahmadu Bello Way in the state capital.
“The area where the shops were built was originally designated for a car park by the government,” Abdul Kareem revealed, adding that the structure was erected without approval.
He further explained that although the owner had applied to the state town planning authority during the previous administration, the request was denied. However, the owner went ahead with the construction due to the lack of enforcement at the time.
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“The issue of scoring political points does not arise,” Abdul Kareem declared, dismissing the idea of political vendetta.
The demolition has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the government’s action as part of its effort to implement a renewed master plan, in line with directives from the Federal Government. Others, however, viewed the move as politically charged, given the owner’s affiliation with the APC.
