Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has addressed criticism over the use of diesel-powered generators to illuminate streetlights in the state. Speaking at the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Makinde attributed the need for generators to the federal government's inability to fix Nigeria's electricity within its first four years in office, as promised.
Makinde's comments were made in response to criticism of his administration's use of diesel-powered generators. He urged critics to recall the promise allegedly made by President Tinubu to fix Nigeria's electricity within his first four years in office. The APM presidential candidate emphasized that if the electricity challenge had been resolved as promised, the government would not have needed to rely on diesel-powered generators to operate streetlights.
The event at the Lekan Salami Stadium saw the formal defection of a political structure led by former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the APM. Adelabu's former personal assistant, Ajiboye Akande Sangogade, led the group that joined the APM. Makinde welcomed the new members and highlighted his administration's efforts to address the state's challenges despite the limitations posed by the federal government's inaction on electricity.
Makinde also took the opportunity to highlight his professional background, noting that his engineering qualification had been recognised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, where he is a Fellow. This, he implied, equips him with the expertise to tackle the state's development challenges. The APM presidential candidate expressed confidence in his ability to lead the country and address its pressing issues.
In addition to Makinde, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo state, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, was also present at the event. Makinde described Adekanmbi as a graduate and professional who is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. This, he suggested, makes Adekanmbi a suitable candidate to lead the state and contribute to the APM's efforts to transform the country.
The use of diesel-powered generators has been a subject of debate in the country, with many arguing that it is an inefficient and costly solution to the electricity challenge. However, Makinde's comments suggest that the APM administration sees it as a necessary measure in the absence of a reliable national grid. The party's approach to addressing the country's challenges is likely to be a key aspect of its campaign.
The APM's efforts to expand its presence in Oyo state and across the country are ongoing, with the party seeking to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current government's performance. Makinde's comments on the electricity challenge and the use of diesel-powered generators are likely to resonate with many Nigerians who are frustrated with the country's persistent power outages and infrastructure deficits.
Key points
- The federal government's failure to fix Nigeria's electricity within its first four years in office has been highlighted by Governor Seyi Makinde as a reason for the use of diesel-powered generators in Oyo state.
- Makinde's administration has faced criticism for its use of diesel-powered generators to illuminate streetlights in the state.
- The APM has welcomed new members from the APC, including a political structure led by former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
