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• Mulls Prosecution of Culprits.
The Osun State Chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed the opposition party, APC in Osun over its remarks on the Ilesa Water Project.
The party notes that the recent remarks from Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, calling Governor Adeleke’s action about the project “Political pettiness” shows that APC is not remorseful for the atrocities it committed while in office adding that the challenges the project is facing were caused by the Oyetola government who terminated the contractor’s contract leading to the litigation that the state is battling.
In a release from the Media Office of the party, the State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi while commenting on the Ilesa water project and the recent reaction from the opposition, described the APC as an anti-people association and a clueless party adding that Governor Adeleke’s action exemplifies the responsible oversight expected of a government committed to inclusive governance.
The statement reads “The mismanagement of funds and allegations of corruption during the previous administration demanded a reassessment of the project’s trajectory, which Governor Adeleke duly acknowledged.
“Since Lawal has decided to mislead the public through false accusations on Governor Adeleke, there is a need to remind the public of the atrocities of the APC on the water project. Lawal and his fellow grievers should be informed that it was Oyetola who terminated the water project contract with the contractor thereby resulting in the Contractor’s court action. This added to the several messes of the Oyetola government that Governor Adeleke has been left to clear. The Governor has initiated an out-of-court settlement with the contractor which is currently ongoing.
“Lawal seems preoccupied with deflecting attention from the glaring failures during his party’s tenure. The massive corruption under the last administration concerning the project is another challenge. Despite the staggering billions of naira spent on the project, it is still far from completion.
“The Governor after meeting with the then Minister of Water Resources was advised to relieve the project consultant who was accused of squandering several billions of naira which resulted in more revelation on the corruption under the last administration.
“The project consultant accused the House of Assembly led by an Ijesa man and an APC stalwart, Timothy Owoeye, of demanding a 5 million dollar ($5,000,000) bribe. This highlights the corrupt practices that derailed the project’s progress. This unacceptable diversion of public funds for personal gain reflects a dire lack of empathy and accountability within the previous administration.
“Lawal should call Owoeye to address the public why he apparently neglected his community’s welfare in favour of personal enrichment, an act unbecoming of an elected representative entrusted with safeguarding the public interest.
“The termination of the project’s contract by Oyetola’s administration resulting in legal actions added complexity to an already convoluted situation. Governor Adeleke’s proactive measures in clearing the aftermath of these decisions reflect his dedication to rectifying the evil perpetrated by the previous governance.
“The ongoing discussion for an out-of-court settlement with the contractor was also borne out of the current administration’s efforts to mitigate potential financial repercussions stemming from the clumsy actions of the past actions. This indicates a strategic approach aimed at safeguarding the state’s interests, a commendable display of maturity in handling a challenging situation.
“The claims by Lawal and his cohorts regarding Governor Adeleke’s involvement in the Ilesa Water Project lack substance when juxtaposed against the prevalent mismanagement, corruption, and neglect witnessed during the tenure of Lawal’s party.”
“Adeleke’s administration’s focus on transparency, community welfare, and accountability in public spending stands the governor out as a beacon of impeccable integrity. It is imperative to prioritize the truth over baseless accusations and hold to account, all those responsible for the mismanagement and malpractices that hindered developmental projects, including that of the Ilesa water project”.
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