Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has suggested that the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, may have been somewhat misled when he asserted that his party would secure victories in Osun and Oyo states.
The governor emphasized that Ganduje’s remarks, which followed the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, were ill-conceived. He expressed confidence that the citizens of Osun State, who have recognized the positive changes brought by Governor Ademola Adeleke, would respond decisively against the APC in the upcoming governorship election.
While inaugurating several projects initiated by Governor Adeleke, Makinde commended the people of Osun State for their decision to support Adeleke two years prior, highlighting the governor’s commitment to delivering the benefits of democracy to the populace.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde praised Governor Adeleke for continuing the projects he inherited from previous administrations. He noted that ensuring value for public investment has been a hallmark of his own administration in Oyo State over the past five years.
Furthermore, the governor remarked that one of the most effective strategies to address the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians is for leaders to enact policies and initiatives that directly benefit their constituents, acknowledging that the Osun State governor has been performing admirably in this area.
Governor Makinde said: “I want to congratulate my brother, the governor of Osun State. This is not about data or using NBS to cover the lies some people tell about their achievements. On our drive from the Government House to this place, I counted new building projects and looked at the number of people that must have been employed. So, this is for real.
“The people know what they are getting, and I congratulate the people of Osun State on their choice. I also want to commend Governor Adeleke for delivering democracy dividends to the people.
“The reward for hard work is more work. So, give him more work to do for another four years.
“I am so happy to be here this afternoon to celebrate the good works going on in Osun State and I want to, on behalf of our people in Osun and Oyo states, congratulate you. We are one, not just in culture, language and tradition, but for my brother and I, we are one in ensuring that when public money has been spent on a project, whether by two or three administrations before you, you have to complete it. On this road project, he has done that, and value has been extracted for the good people of Osun State.
“Former Governor Aregbesola started this road, but Governor Adeleke completed it. So, I thank you for completing this road project.
“This is cementing your position in leadership. I am glad that Nigeria has become too advanced for mediocre and minds that cannot think one inch deeper. It is such minds that will say ‘I did not start the project, and I am not supposed to complete it.’ Some may even say that because they belong to another political party, they won’t complete a project. No, the people must come first. Now, a new set of leaders is coming up.”
Speaking further, Governor Makinde encouraged the Osun State electorate to stand firm behind Governor Adeleke for another term of four years, noting that he and the Osun State governor have proven to be the real progressives in the South-West region with their pro-people policies and programmes.
“Two years ago, the people of Osun State made a political choice by moving from one political party to the PDP. Somebody that I believe, got distracted a little bit after the Edo and Ondo elections and said they are coming out for Osun and Oyo states.
“My people, are you not waiting for them? You will show them that we are different and resolute people. We are law-abiding people, and our party plays by the rules. But we believe that the secret they have been covering will be revealed to the people.
“I can’t stop thanking Governor Adeleke for breaking out of the mould of the usual politicians and doing something unusual with regards to delivering on the mandate given to him. I can only encourage you, and I promise you my support in the battle ahead.
“Surely, this project is a significant road to the economic development of Osun State. Where the road goes, development follows; those of you who have landed property on this axis, don’t sell them yet, because the value would soon skyrocket when all the projects come together. The completion of this project will bring economic benefits to this neighbourhood.
“I asked him the number of kilometers of the light-up project he had done, and he said 250km. I started with a 20km proof of consent in Oyo State for the first phase. The second phase was 250km and the next phase is about 60km
“So, quite frankly, light has come to Osun State, and I want to urge you, the people, not to allow the return of darkness. Stick with Imole, it is working, and it will continue to work.
“One of the surest ways of tackling the economic quagmire we are currently experiencing is for some visioners to do their best to implement policies and projects that will impact their people. Of course, we must still fight for the reforms that will lead to true federalism, because federalism as it is being practised in the country now is discouraging.
“Unfortunately, some proponents of true federalism are moving us more into a unitary type of government. But for us, I told my brother that, in this South-West, both of us are the true progressives. So, we will continue to lead the path and provide good leadership for our people.”
Speaking earlier, the Osun State governor appreciated Governor Makinde’s presence, noting that his presence manifested the strong bond of brotherhood between Oyo and Osun states.
In the entourage of the Oyo State governor were top government functionaries.
