Controversies as PDP questions Akeredolu Over Cost Of Ore Flyover Bridge

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has asked the governor Akeredolu-led administration in Ondo state to make public the cost of the ongoing construction of flyover bridge in Ore town which he flagged off last year.

The state government has however asked the opposition party to follow due process by going to the appropriate ministry for answers.

The PDP director of Publicity, Zadok Akintoye on Sunday sent a poser on his social media accounts, asking that “Please can someone help us with the cost of the less than 100 meter long #Ore bridge being constructed by the #APC led #ODSG? Its very important.

Thank you. ”

Akintoye’s question has however generated reactions from aides to governor Akeredolu, those loyal to the APC as well as the PDP in Ondo state.

On Facebook, Babatope Adeojo said “All these small small bridges in the name of flyover should not be over celebrated by these APC agents ,a sister States around us take ekiti,that does not collect oil money prides itself with a much longer ,better what we can call real flyover,Ogun also,is a case study where we can feel and have what could be referred to as flyover,not less that 20 meter one,that have taken so much to build, with what ondo is getting from federal allocation each month with IGR ,we expected our dear state to have much better one ,not a bridge that have majority of stretch of the so called flyover sandfilled.Akeredolu led govt has only succeded,to have an average in the area of road construction only.”

Eniayewu abayomi said “Na waa o . I wonder PDP can not appreciate this laudable project as if they have never be in power in Ondo state before now .

My people let’s appreciate Aketi for this project. We have never had it so good in our dear sunshine state. May God continue to strengthen Aketi for more developmental projects we have been longing for in Ondo state. 4 + 4 = 8.”

Akintunde John Folajimi said “it paining them because they failed to do it when they were in power.”

Matins Akinwolu reacted that “O mase ooo! It is painful that you have developed a high blood pressure because of Akeredolu’s achievements.

I have observed that anytime you see the progress of that Flyover, your BP high. My dear brother, if you die today, PDP will appoint another spokesman. Don’t kill yourself because of your monthly peanut. ”

Agbaje Danjuma Tope said “The length of the flyover is immaterial to us but the purpose is what really matter to us.This is not d type that was built by one of our sister state that has no relevant,a long flyover on a straight road with the same purpose is useless.

A 3 bedroom flat a times could be more expensive that a duplex.

The purposes of flyover is to ease traffics not aesthetics. ”

However Akintoye reacted to Danjuma’s post that “have we said the bridge is needless? The simple question remains that any sincere government would not pass an opportunity to impress the people by being open with the cost of such a project. Each and every one of your responses has shown the hypocrisy of a people shouting good governance but being silent when questions are asked on how public wealth is spent.

Let me educate you a bit.

In a democracy, power and public wealth belongs to the people and is placed in trust with elected officers whose actions and inactions are NOT from benevolence. The bridge in question must have a length in the quote by the contractors and if this government can avail us of the length and cost outlay, would it not prove us wrong?

I wonder what your point is in saying a duplex may be cheaper than a bungalow. Next time you travel to Lagos, please endeavor to check the bridge in Ijebu Ode and as an engineer, compare costs and purpose.”

Olugbenga Oke Samuel said “The government ordinarily should disclose. Is it not public money? There should be regular information on this in the public domain. ”

Similarly,on SUNSHINE TRUTH WhatsApp group where Akintoye posted same question,there were reactions and altercations among participants over the same issue.

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo asked the PDP spokesman to do the needful.

“You can leverage on the opportunity of the Freedom of Information Law…go to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure or better still, Bureau of Public Procurement. We won’t bother ourselves about what was ‘spent’ on the Dome.Write officially to the appropriate quarters…you will get results to your satisfaction. ”

Similarly,a Senior Special Assistant to Akeredolu on Media and Publicity, Ojo Oyewamide attacked Akintoye, saying “I think you are playing irresponsible opposition politics. Go to Ore, tell the people there that the flyover is a pedestrian achievement and let us see how they will react.

If you need a piece of official information, I don’t think the place to seek and get it is social media.

Aside that, you don’t expect people to take you serious when your intention is not noble and when your mischief is obvious. Don’t tell me you are seeking the information in the interest of the people.”

Special assistant to Akeredolu on New Media, Richard Olabode said “When Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, flagged off the construction of the first flyover in Ondo State, situated in Ore , the commercial hub of the sunshine state, during the first year anniversary of his administration, oppositions said it was a desperate political move from a govt that has nothing to offer.

When contractors moved to site on the 28th of Sept, 2018, these same oppositions said it was just a political showmanship. They said flyover was not a child’s play. They even argued that the state was not financially buoyant to construct a flyover.

But, when it dawned on them that the impossible was already forming shape and it is fast becoming a reality, they have hurriedly composed another song. The chorus now is “How much does it cost to construct the flyover”

But , for how long are we going to keep dignifying these set of people with our precious time. They do not see development as a gain for the people. For them, it’s always about politics. They are found of playing politics with the lives and welfare of the people of the state. They careless about how a project affects the lives and safety of our people. They always have this sense of competition. Left for them, the Akeredolu’s administration must not achieve anything laudable. The reason? Because of the next election.

The PDP, as represented by its spokesperson, Zadok Akintoye has shown so much disdain to the people of the south senatorial district and the the state at large. Because of the strategic location of the flyover, the PDP has also shown its lack of concern to the people of Nigeria who are regular users of the Lagos/Benin expressway.

In the days ahead, the PDP and its like minds will tell us how much the lives of the people of the state who have died at the Ore junction is worth.

Those who lost their families and loved ones to the dangerous Oke Oka hill, Oke Alabojuto and the Ore junction will first commend the government for addressing a situation that has to do with the safety of the people. But of course, PDP and its like minds must play politics. This is where we are as a nation.

I hope the people are watching and learning. There are no more political projects in the state. It’s about service and the people now. When it’s time to play politics, Mr. Zadok will only have himself to evaluate.

In other news, there is always the need to emphasis the place of transparency and accountability in govt. something the Akeredolu’s administration prides.

If there’s anything anyone wants to know about any project, make it official , write to the appropriate ministries.

Even the PDP state chairman, Engr. Clement Faboyede attested to the fact that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, is performing.

I repeat, this is not about competition. The motive behind your questions is not altruistic. You feel this govt is outperforming a particular govt. You feel this govt is creating a legacy that will endure in the heart of the people from generation to generation. There is a particular appeal this govt is enjoying which it seems you don’t want.

Development should be about the people. It shouldn’t be about competitions.

If you want to make govt accountable, sir, do it right. If you write the concern ministry and they do not reply you then you can come here and make your case against the govt.

Olusiji Akindiose however replied Akintunde that “That is not the spirit of those who raise questions about projects.

You can’t assume people will remain Mumuic just because someone feels questions SHOULD not be asked about flyover. Good project; right, it will not only save lives but adds beauty.

There is the one at GBONGAN in Osun state. Beautiful. Yet questions are being asked and that is good in a democracy. So let’s not forget that each government of the past had landmark projects. Therefore we PRAISE and question and nothing can beat this concept.

In a reaction, Akintoye said “We would then conclude, that it becomes deeply irresponsible for any government to appoint media aides for social media and all, if the use of technology in providing quick access to information is not permitted. Are we compelled to rely on paper documentation for a small detail that should be public knowledge?

What is the point in any government in a democracy appointing and paying public funds to aides for jobs they wouldn’t do?

If I asked this question on Twitter to the British government (foreign) or even to Oyo state government (local) the answer will not take time.

What is the cost of the less than 100 meter long Ore bridge? ?

Simple as P D P. ”

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