The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of wasting over N250 billion on diesel-powered streetlights in the state. According to the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, the governor's administration has been using fuel-guzzling generators to power streetlights in Ibadan, the state capital, despite claims of having a background in electrical engineering. This move has been described as outdated, expensive, and environmentally harmful.
The campaign organisation, through its director of media and publicity, Bisi Oladele, questioned the governor's engineering credentials, citing the use of diesel-powered streetlights as evidence of his alleged failure as an engineer. The organisation noted that modern cities are embracing solar-powered and energy-efficient streetlighting systems, while Oyo State remains stuck in the age of diesel generators. This is despite the fact that the governor's predecessor had undertaken a similar project using a solar system.
The APC campaign group also criticised the governor's decision to destroy the solar infrastructures and electric poles used by his predecessor, instead of repairing and upgrading them. They argued that this move was only aimed at enriching the governor and his cronies, and deliberately wasting Oyo State funds. Furthermore, the streetlight project has become dysfunctional, with load-shedding being the only way it operates.
The campaign organisation raised serious questions about the governor's competence, priorities, and commitment to prudent management of taxpayers' money. They maintained that the governor's claim as an electrical engineer is questionable, given the failures of his streetlight project. The organisation also pointed out that the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan failed to secure CAF approval for Shooting Stars Sports Club to host a continental fixture.
The renovation of the Lekan Salami Stadium, which was completed at a cost of over N5 billion in 2021, was touted as a major achievement by the governor's administration. However, the facility failed to meet the requirements for international matches, forcing Shooting Stars to seek an alternative venue in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This has been described as an embarrassment to the people of Oyo State and a disgrace to the Makinde-led administration.
The APC campaign organisation argued that the failure of the stadium renovation project is a monument to the Makinde administration's preference for publicity over quality and durable results. They maintained that the evidence points to a government that spends heavily but delivers poorly. The organisation's criticisms have raised concerns about the governor's ability to manage public funds and deliver on his campaign promises.
The Oyo APC's criticisms are a clear indication of the ongoing political tensions in the state, with the opposition party seeking to hold the governor accountable for his administration's actions. The governor's administration has yet to respond to the allegations, but it is clear that the issue of the diesel-powered streetlights and the CAF-rejected stadium will continue to be a subject of debate in the state.
Key points
- - The Oyo APC criticised Governor Makinde's administration for using diesel-powered streetlights, which they claim is a waste of public funds and an embarrassment to the state. - The renovated Lekan Salami Stadium failed to secure CAF approval for Shooting Stars Sports Club to host a continental fixture, despite being completed at a cost of over N5 billion. - The APC campaign organisation questioned Governor Makinde's engineering credentials, citing the failures of his streetlight project and the stadium renovation as evidence of his alleged incompetence.
