Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his administration’s infrastructure projects, describing the opposition as being in “acute political depression” after failing to stop the execution of major developmental projects across the state.
The governor, who spoke after concluding a tour of nine local government areas where he commissioned various projects as part of his re-election campaign, said the overwhelming support received from residents reflected public approval of his administration’s performance.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said communities across Osogbo, Iwo, Ila, Ilesa, Ile-Ife and other parts of the state had embraced his administration because of its commitment to infrastructure development.
“I have toured nine local governments and the massive show of support has been overwhelming. Osun people appreciate the various projects we have delivered from Osogbo to Iwo, Ila, Ilesa and Ile-Ife. Where the APC failed, this administration has delivered, and the people are testifying,” the governor said.
Adeleke alleged that the opposition made efforts to frustrate his administration’s developmental agenda but failed.
According to him, despite what he described as attempts by the APC to halt the execution of projects, his administration completed several road and infrastructure projects, which are now being commissioned across the state.
The governor also defended the quality of the projects, insisting they were executed in line with approved engineering standards, due process and the state’s local content policy.
“We adopted the best engineering practices. Our procurement process complied with the law and due process, while local engineers, suppliers and technicians handled the projects professionally. We are delivering quality infrastructure with maintenance plans to ensure their durability,” he stated.
Adeleke further claimed that the APC had become politically weakened following its inability to stop his administration’s projects, alleging that some of its members were leaving the party for other political platforms.
He expressed appreciation to residents of Iwo, Ifelodun, Boripe, Odo Otin, Ejigbo, Atakumosa, Ife South, Ayedire and Olaoluwa local government areas for what he described as their warm reception and continued support during his project commissioning tour.
The governor assured residents of other parts of the state that his administration would soon inaugurate completed projects in their communities.
Ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Adeleke urged eligible voters to protect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and National Identification Numbers (NIN), alleging that there were attempts to disenfranchise voters.
He called on residents to disregard what he described as misinformation from the opposition and come out en masse to vote.
“Our votes will count. Nobody can rig this election. The people will determine the outcome at the polls. I urge Osun people to ignore rumours, safeguard their PVCs and prepare to vote and defend their votes,” the governor said.