The Spokesperson to Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed has described the assessment of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration done by a former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Goke Omigbodun, as an outright falsehood borne out of personal anger.
Omigbodun, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER, had said the state’s economy would have been better managed under a good governor, given the additional funds coming from the federation account and the Internally Generated Revenue should have improved.
He also said the current flyover projects being carried out across the state are unnecessary as the roads are in good condition but advised Governor Adeleke to focus on how the state can generate its electricity.
Reacting in a statement issued by Rasheed Olawale, on Wednesday, the Governor’s spokesperson said Omigbodun’s interview was an attack on Governor Adeleke.
READ: INTERVIEW: Building Flyovers Across Osun Is Arrant Nonsense – Omigbodun
He also said his words were “laced with misconceptions, misinterpretation and many outright falsehood borne out of personal anger over an issue that has since been addressed.
“As much as the politician is entitled to his opinion as a stakeholder in the Osun project, he should not have allowed his complaints over a land issue to colour his usually commendable analysis of public events and analysis.
“Whatever way anybody may want to spin it, Governor Adeleke inherited over 100 billion pension and half salary debt when he took over. Paying those debts, meeting monthly salary obligations, and paying a wage award bill of over three billion naira so far deserve commendation irrespective of personal grudges.
“The former aspirant may want to note that addressing the infrastructure deficit is a major step towards revitalizing the state economy. Hence, Mr Governor unveiled and is implementing a multi-billion naira infrastructure agenda which covers all critical sectors.
“Increased allocations are clearly going into verifiable expenditure which touches workers’ welfare and which are tackling the infrastructure deficit of almost 80 percentage. Mr Omigbodun cannot really dispute experts’ tested position that economic revival is best achieved through infra upgrades.
“As a Governor with mandate to govern, enhancing Osogbo into a befitting capital city may not interest Mr. Omigbodun, but Osogbo people and residents appreciate concerted efforts of Mr. Governor to build Osun into a modern state as the cradle of Yoruba people.
“One is particularly shocked by the accusation that Governor Adeleke has not done anything on the state electricity agenda. Osun has a draft Bill and Policy that is currently under process to create a state electricity market and state electricity regulatory agency. It is uncharitable to attack the family of the Governor when in reality Osun is one of the ten states with an electricity state agenda.
“Beyond personal vendetta, the memorial space at Abere is about the history of Osun State, especially with respect to those who have governed the state. The first Executive Governor was duly recognized alongside all other former Governors of the state. Or is Omigbodun canvassing the exclusion of late Senator Adeleke because he is the brother of the state Governor?
“It is also false to allege in a libelous manner that the infra agenda is designed to enrich some people because so far all companies engaged under due process are delivering on their mandates with monitoring and evaluation by relevant government agencies.
“Many have commended Governor Adeleke for ensuring continuity in project implementation without minding political affiliations. If Mr Omigbodun cannot commend the Governor for completing several inherited projects, he should not add insult to injury by pontificating on policy changes.
“It must be put on records that Governor Adeleke runs an inclusive government with transparency, accountability, and open governance. Several professionals from within and outside the state regularly consult and counsel Mr Governor with resounding responsiveness and action.
“The door is still wide open for Mr. Omigbodun in line with Mr. Governor’s directive that no voice or opinion should be shut in the journey to take Osun to great heights”.
