A public affairs analyst and commentator, Alhaji Malik Ibitoye, has absolved the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, from any blame on the dilapidated Sango/Ota-Abeokuta road.
Reacting to criticisms of the Ogun State governor by some members of the public on the deplorable situation of some federal roads in the state, Ibitoye averred that people should be properly educated about the workings of the three tiers of government.
Ibitoye drew attention to declaration by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, that the Sango/Ota-Abeokuta road and some other roads in the state were federal roads, which, by the Highway Act, could not be taken over by state governments.
He insisted that Fashola was quoted to have said on the programme, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, that the road, which is being constructed by Julius Berger Construction Company, was being financed through the Sukuk fund, adding that Governor Abiodun once told him of his administration’s intention to take over the road, but that he asked him where the fund for repairs would come from.
Going further, the public analyst added that it was extremely difficult for a state government to finance such an expensive road project, especially at this critical period of economic meltdown, adding that the people of Ogun State should appreciate Governor Abiodun’s resolve to take on such a huge project, following the Federal Government’s refusal to repair the road, despite repeated pleas by the Ogun State government.
He said, “The governor has touched all the 236 wards in the state and there is no doubt that he has been able to change the face of the state. We need to understand the workings of that office and give him the opportunity to work.
“While I am not holding brief for the governor, I want the people to know the difference between federal and state roads.
“Governor Abiodun is doing his best for the people and we should see him as a man that has the love of his people at heart.”
He therefore urged residents of the state to continue to support the state government and contribute their quota to the development of the state as the nation moves towards the 2023 general election.
