By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State are currently embroiled in a heated exchange of words over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s proposal to extend the duration of the Ilesa water financing agreement with the Islamic Development Bank.
The Ilesa Water Project was commenced by the former Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola which is due for closure by December 2023.
The Osun APC berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for allegedly bungling the multi-billion naira Ilesa Water Project, describing his current eye-service to regularise the project as fathom and deceit designed to save face from the embarrassment.
“Before Adeleke, like a bull in the China shop, mindlessly ordered for stoppage of work on the water project last December, his predecessor, His Excellency, former state Governor Adegboyega Oyetola CON, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, had completed the reticulation component and laying of water pipes, setting a stage for the final component of the work, which is water treatment.
“Until few days ago when they began to run helter skelter to save the day, Governor Adeleke and his lousy yes-men had intentionally and practically ignored all entreaties from the sons and daughters of Ijesaland to get the project back to track so that their dream of getting potable and healthy water to drink in their lifetime would come to reality.”
The APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, Tuesday, questioned the soundness of the thought-process of the state governor and his advisers, pondering why Adeleke would choose to punish a whole generation of Ijesa because their elites gave unwavering support to the government of ex-Governor Oyetola, which prioritised the welfare of Ijesa people above mundane and reckless politics.
Lawal said, “It is painful that the clumsy government of Senator Adeleke, having wasted almost one year without accessing the balance of $37.9 million Islamic Development Bank(IDB) loan meant for the completion of the water project, is now belatedly begging profusely, claiming to be ramping up actions to extend the life span of the Ilesa water financing agreement with the bank which is due for closure in few days’ time.”
Lawal cautioned that unless men of good intention at the federal level were mobilised to remedy the situation, Osun State might suffer a double jeopardy because “the project might not only suffer misfortune as it did 30 years ago when the fund meant for it was brazenly converted for personal use, Osun State could equally run into further financial headache on account of court case instituted against it by the project contractor, who is seeking compensation for a breach of contract.
“The Osun APC is using this medium to appeal to all Nigerians of means and clout to come to our aid by saving the state from the current logjam inflicted on us by the confused and tactless Governor Adeleke and his coterie of political jesters.
“One, we need the Islamic Development Bank, the financing bank, to extend the financing agreement on the Ilesa Water Project beyond December 2023.
“Two, the project contractor should be placated to settle out-of-court as being requested by the state government so that the state does not lose money and suffer unduly over the indiscretion and lack of seriousness of some political mal-administrators,” Lawal pleaded.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slammed APC in Osun over its thoughtless remarks on the Ilesa Water Project saying, “The recent remark from Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, calling Adeleke’s action about the project ‘political pettiness’ shows that APC is not remorseful for the atrocities it committed while in office.
“The challenges the project is facing were caused by the Oyetola government. It was Oyetola who terminated the contractor’s contract leading to the litigation that the state is battling.”
In a statement from the Media Office of the party, the State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, while commenting on the Ilesa water project and the recent reaction from the opposition, described the APC as an anti-people association and a clueless party.
“Governor Adeleke’s action exemplifies the responsible oversight expected of a government committed to inclusive governance.
“The mismanagement of funds and allegations of corruption during the previous administration demanded a reassessment of the project’s trajectory, which Governor Adeleke duly acknowledged.
“Since Lawal has decided to mislead the public through false accusations on Governor Adeleke, there is a need to remind the public of the atrocities of the APC on the water project. Lawal and his fellow grievers should be informed that it was Oyetola who terminated the water project contract with the contractor thereby resulting in the Contractor’s court action.
“This added to the several messes of the Oyetola government that Governor Adeleke has been left to clear. The Governor has initiated an out-of-court settlement with the contractor which is currently ongoing.
“Lawal seems preoccupied with deflecting attention from the glaring failures during his party’s tenure. The massive corruption under the last administration concerning the project is another challenge. Despite the staggering billions of naira spent on the project, it is still far from completion.
“The Governor after meeting with the then Minister of Water Resources was advised to relieve the project consultant who was accused of squandering several billions of naira which resulted in more revelation on the corruption under the last administration.”
“The project consultant accused the House of Assembly led by an Ijesa man and an APC stalwart, Timothy Owoeye, of demanding a 5 million dollar ($5,000,000) bribe. This highlights the corrupt practices that derailed the project’s progress. This unacceptable diversion of public funds for personal gain reflects a dire lack of empathy and accountability within the previous administration.
“Lawal should call Owoeye to address the public why he apparently neglected his community’s welfare in favour of personal enrichment, an act unbecoming of an elected representative entrusted with safeguarding the public interest.
“The termination of the project’s contract by Oyetola’s administration resulting in legal actions added complexity to an already convoluted situation. Governor Adeleke’s proactive measures in clearing the aftermath of these decisions reflect his dedication to rectifying the evil perpetrated by the previous governance.
“The ongoing discussion for an out-of-court settlement with the contractor was also borne out of the current administration’s efforts to mitigate potential financial repercussions stemming from the clumsy actions of the past actions. This indicates a strategic approach aimed at safeguarding the state’s interests, a commendable display of maturity in handling a challenging situation.
“The claims by Lawal and his cohorts regarding Governor Adeleke’s involvement in the Ilesa Water Project lack substance when juxtaposed against the prevalent mismanagement, corruption, and neglect witnessed during the tenure of Lawal’s party.
“Adeleke’s administration’s focus on transparency, community welfare, and accountability in public spending stands the governor out as a beacon of impeccable integrity. It is imperative to prioritise the truth over baseless accusations and hold to account all those responsible for the mismanagement and malpractices that hindered developmental projects, including that of the Ilesa water project,” he added.