The discord between the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government escalated on Monday as they clashed over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s first-year achievements.
Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, in a Monday statement, detailed alleged infractions committed by Adeleke during his tenure, delivering a critical assessment. However, on the occasion of the first anniversary of Adeleke’s administration, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, presented a contrasting view, listing achievements in each sector. Alimi asserted that Adeleke’s accomplishments surpassed those of his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Despite the government’s positive appraisal, the opposition party chairman criticized Adeleke, accusing him of failing to fulfill campaign promises, lacking accountability, awarding contracts to associates, and mismanaging state resources, including the Federal Government’s N9 billion palliative fund. The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing debate regarding the governor’s performance in his inaugural year.
But addressing journalists at the Government Secretariat, Abere to mark the first anniversary of the administration, Alimi said the only project inaugurated by Adeleke’s predecessor on his first anniversary was a health centre, adding that the incumbent had exceeded expectations.
The commissioner said, “I read Oyetola’s speech on his first anniversary as governor. The only project he inaugurated was a health centre financed with a $20m grant from the Federal Government. Adeleke has exceeded expectations. They (APC) are mischievous. Their prayer now is that the five flyovers that Adeleke plans to execute will not be done. This government will execute those projects.
“They (APC) know that once those projects are done, it will be the end of their political move. If we could go ahead to have two flyovers in Osogbo, one in Ife, Ikirun and Ede, and we are able to dualise roads in Ilesa, Ikirun, and other places, they know that is their end politically. So, they are on their knees praying that we will fail. They have been attacking us since we launched our infrastructure plan.
“That is the reason for the attack on Adeleke government. The APC in its statement today mentioned the issue of N10b for the governor’s office, Iree Polytechnic, the mentioned the issue of the Chief Judge. They will never say Adeleke has not performed but they are just looking for fault. They just want to talk.”
