…Osun APC is ashamed of its sordid records — Govt
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun and the state government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, have become embroiled in a dispute over a new N159 billion infrastructural plan.
In a statement on Thursday, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, accused Governor Adeleke of failing to deliver on the previous N100 billion infrastructure plan.
Olabisi pointed out that the government’s inability to complete earlier projects raises doubts about its ability to successfully implement the new N159 billion infrastructural plan.
Governor Adeleke had recently unveiled a comprehensive N159 billion infrastructure development plan. According to Olabisi, the flyovers at Okefia, Lameco, and Ile-Ife have encountered major challenges, missed their completion deadlines, and may be at risk of being abandoned. He also highlighted that no work has been done at the Ikirun and Owode locations of the proposed projects.
“Rather than making new promises, the government should have focused on completing the projects it already committed to,” Olabisi said. “Osun State deserves better. It’s time for the government to prioritise education, healthcare, agricultural development, and rural road infrastructure.”
He urged the public to hold Governor Adeleke’s administration accountable and ensure that the people of Osun receive the development they have been promised.
In response, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the criticism, suggesting that it was a sign of the opposition’s embarrassment over their failure to address Osun’s infrastructural deficit while in power.
Rasheed countered the APC’s claims, asserting that the first phase of the infrastructure plan was 70 to 80 percent complete across various sectors, and that the second phase, worth N159 billion, was achievable, with projects reflecting the aspirations of the local communities.
“It’s only those opposed to progress who would deny the significant infrastructure development taking place across the state. In the state capital, work has never stopped on the Oke Fia and Lameco flyovers, as the public can attest. In fact, the pace of work has accelerated,” Rasheed said.
“The flyover in Ile Ife is progressing, and there is ample evidence in the form of photos and videos. The Governor has just inspected the dualisation of the Ilesa road, with contractors working tirelessly to complete the project. The Oke Gada Bridge is nearly 90 percent finished, while the dualisation of the Old Garage-Oke Fia-Lameco road is complete.”
Rasheed went on to list several completed projects, including the dualisation of roads, upgrading of health centres, and rehabilitation of over 100 schools. He stressed that the first phase of the infrastructure plan announced in 2023 was being implemented as promised. He explained that the Abere flyover had been delayed due to community preference for an alternative road project, and similarly, the Ikirun Junction flyover was postponed in favour of extending the road dualisation from Ikirun Junction to the Kwara state border.
“Governor Adeleke, as a pro-people leader, has remained true to his promises, as acknowledged both locally and nationally. What the APC failed to achieve in four years, Governor Adeleke has delivered in just two years,” Rasheed said.
Rasheed cited expert analyses indicating that Governor Adeleke had reduced Osun’s infrastructural deficit by over 45 percent from the 90 percent inherited from the previous government in 2022. He also stated that the APC administration had left significant infrastructure challenges when it was voted out of office.
To further address the infrastructure deficit and attract investment, Governor Adeleke unveiled the second phase of the plan, with a total cost of N159 billion. This phase includes projects in infrastructure, education, and health, among others.
“As with the first phase, Governor Adeleke has reaffirmed his commitment to completing all new projects. His track record as a leader who delivers on his promises is well established,” Rasheed concluded.