Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ibrahim Ganduje, might have been a bit distracted when he said that his party would capture Osun and Oyo states.
The governor maintained that the statement, which came on the heels of the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections, was misguided, noting that the people of Osun State, who have been blessed to see the light that Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke represents, would show the APC ‘pepper’ in the next governorship election in the state.
Makinde, who stated this on Wednesday, while commissioning some projects executed by Governor Adeleke, congratulated the people of Osun State on the choice to support Adeleke two years ago, saying the governor had been delivering dividends of democracy to his state.
The governor equally lauded Governor Adeleke for not abandoning projects he inherited from predecessors, noting that the stance to ensure that the people have the value for their money was also a forte of his (Makinde’s) administration in Oyo State over the last five years.
The governor also noted that one of the best ways to tackle the economic challenges facing Nigerians is for administrators to implement policies and projects that will impact their people, noting that the Osun State governor has been doing well in this regard.
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 dividends of democracy 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.
“This road was started by former Governor Aregbesola 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 mediocres 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 mold 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 kilometres of light-up project he has 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 was a manifestation of the strong bond of brotherhood between Oyo and Osun states.
In the entourage of the Oyo State governor were top government functionaries from the state.
