Politics

Ogun Gov, Abiodun Reacts to Critics Over Ogun State Bad Roads

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 17th, 2024.

Ogun Gov, Abiodun Reacts to Critics Over Ogun State Bad Roads

By Taiwo Bankole

The deteriorating state of roads in Ogun State has been a significant concern, sparking widespread media coverage. Taiwo Bankole reports on Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recent efforts to address these issues, highlighted by his direct inspections of several critical roads.

Public Outcry Over Poor Road Conditions

The media has extensively covered the poor road network in Ogun State, drawing particular attention to areas near Lagos State, such as Sango-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Alagbole-Ajuwon, Akute, Olambe in Ifo Local Government Area, and Mowe/Ofada in Obafemi-Owode Local Government.

Major Roads Under Scrutiny

Criticism has mounted over the poor conditions of major roads including the Federal Government-owned Lagos-Sango Ota-Abeokuta Expressway, the Alagbole-Ajuwon-Akute road, the Kemta-Olokuta-Wole Soyinka Train Station-Laderin Road, and the Sagamu-Papalanto-Ilaro road. Daily commutes on these roads have been exacerbated by constant rainfall, worsening their condition and causing significant hardship for motorists and commuters.

Community Protests and Government Response

Communities have occasionally organized peaceful protests to urge the state government to fix the roads. Recently, residents of Idomila Community in Ijebu North East Local Government Area protested the deplorable condition of their road, citing avoidable accidents and loss of lives. Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman of the Idomila Elders Council, highlighted the difficulties faced by local farmers in transporting their produce to markets, urging Governor Abiodun to intervene.

Calls for State Intervention on Federal Roads

At a media engagement organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, former Ogun State governor and current Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, urged state governors to assist with the ongoing road infrastructure development initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Daniel emphasized the need for governors to take action on federal roads within their states to alleviate the suffering of their constituents.

Abiodun’s Direct Actions

Governor Abiodun has responded to the criticisms and public outcry by inspecting several key roads. Recently, he ordered the contractor handling the Denro-Ishashi-Akute road project to complete it within two weeks and announced imminent work on the Alagbole-Ajuwon-Akute road. Contracts for other roads, including Hercules Giwa (Oke Aro Rd), sections of the Akute-Ijoko road, and the road leading to Yakoyo, are also set to be awarded soon.

During his inspections, Abiodun emphasized his commitment to equitable infrastructure development, noting the significant road deficits he inherited upon taking office. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to prioritize roads based on vehicular traffic and economic impact.

Criticism and Legal Threats

Governor Abiodun did not take kindly to the criticism on social media over the state of roads in the state. He condemned the attacks as sponsored and threatened legal action against those who misrepresented his administration. He defended his record, citing over 600 kilometers of roads constructed under his administration and calling on critics to acknowledge these efforts.

Media Influence and Public Accountability

Public affairs analyst Lekan Okunade praised the media’s role in highlighting the poor road conditions, which he believes has spurred the governor to action. Okunade encouraged continued public engagement through both conventional and social media to hold leaders accountable and ensure they fulfill their responsibilities to the people.

By Taiwo Bankole