The Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service, Abdul Kareem Suleiman, has dismissed reports suggesting that the recent demolition of a property belonging to an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mashood Mustapha, was an act of political retaliation.
Speaking during a Ministerial Press briefing organized by the state government in Ilorin on Wednesday, Abdul Kareem clarified that the demolition of Crystal Shop mall, which occurred on Sunday night, was due to the violation of road setback regulations on Ahmadu Bello Way in the state capital.
He explained that the area where the structure was erected had been originally designated for a car park by the government.
According to him, the owner of the demolished mall had applied to the town planning authority during the previous administration to build the shops, but the request was denied.
“The town planning authority did not approve the request, but due to lack of political will, he went ahead to erect the building,” Abdul Kareem said.
“The issue of scoring political points does not arise.”
The demolition has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the government’s efforts to implement a renewed master plan for the city in line with federal directives, while others see the move as controversial.
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