Politics
RE: Misleading Press Statement by One Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun – A Desperate Attempt to Rewrite Recent History.
Adeleke’s Massive Statewide Projects Speak for Themselves
RE: Misleading Press Statement by One Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun – A Desperate Attempt to Rewrite Recent History.
The attention of the Office of the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, Otunba Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, has been drawn to a misleading and politically-tailored press statement issued by one impostor; Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun wherein he attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to shift blame for the stagnation and financial recklessness currently bedeviling all Local Government Councils in Osun State.
For clarity, the said press statement is not only laughable but represents the height of desperation from individuals who are struggling to justify their illegal occupation of Local Government institutions in Osun State following a Court of Appeal technical judgment which they have continued to misinterpret and misrepresent for political ends.
Adeleke’s Massive Statewide Projects Speak for Themselves
Contrary to Idowu’s claims, Governor Ademola Adeleke has in just 3 years executed and completed more physical projects than the entire four years of his predecessor. The people of Osun State today see, witness and use a long list of tangible infrastructure under Governor Adeleke including but not limited to:
- Road infrastructure across all 30 LGAs and Area Office.
- Rehabilitation of public schools.
- Upgrading of primary healthcare facilities.
- Construction and equipping of new health centres.
- Water and electrification projects.
- Construction of 332 Wards-based Solar-powered boreholes.
- Payment of salary arrears, pensions and gratuities inherited from the previous government among others.
These are practical interventions befitting of a government committed to grassroots development. It is not an imaginary claims and radio propaganda.
Reminding Idowu of His Benefactor’s Record of Financial Recklessness
Idowu’s selective amnesia requires correction. If Osun people must talk about impediments to development, they will not forget in a hurry:
The highly inflated and controversial Olaiya Flyover project in Osogbo, which became a symbol of wasteful spending and debt accumulation.
The tragic era of half salaries which former Governor Gboyega Oyetola did not paid a dime from, which impoverished civil servants, collapsed purchasing power and destroyed thousands of households.
The culture of reckless public debt and backdoor borrowings that burdened the state is known to everyone during the last APC regime. It is therefore humorous that those who supervised that era now wish to lecture anyone on grassroots development.
Illegal Loans and Unauthorized Expenditures by “Yes/No Chairmen” Will Be Accounted For
Idowu and his co-travellers are advised to stop hiding behind frivolous press statements. The public is already aware of the illegal loans, unauthorized expenses, and dubious financial commitments being entered into by the so-called “Yes/No Chairmen” who lack the democratic legitimacy to commit public funds.
All such illegal transactions will be accounted for. The laws of the Federal Republic are clear and no amount of blackmail will sanitize illegality.
Democracy is Not Won Through Courtroom Shortcuts
The idowus of this world must also be reminded that: “Democracy is not won through the back door. It is won through validation by the masses”.
The attempt to smuggle themselves into power through courtrooms instead of ballot boxes is the height of political cowardice. Only bad losers seek legitimacy through technicalities rather than votes.
Osun People Will Decide on August 8
Finally, Osun people will on August 8 speak loudly at the polls. No propaganda, no courtroom manoeuvres and no press rhetoric can stop the verdict of the people.
Those currently parading themselves as Chairmen should prepare to give way to genuine democracy. The era of imposition, manipulation and illegality has expired.
Signed;
Otunba Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde,
Executive Chairman Ifelodun Local Government and
ALGON Chairman, Osun State.
