Senate President Godswill Akpabio has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure in Osun State, arguing that the level of federal allocations received by the state should translate into more visible development. He made the remarks during a visit to Osogbo in the lead-up to the state’s governorship election.
According to Akpabio, the funds flowing to Osun from the Federal Government are sufficient to address key challenges, making the current condition of the state’s roads and public amenities difficult to justify. He specifically pointed to the poor state of the road connecting Ibadan to Osogbo, noting that even potholes along that route remain unrepaired.
A Call for Prudent Management of State Resources
Speaking directly to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, Akpabio urged him to prioritise the judicious use of state funds if he emerges victorious at the polls. The Senate President stressed that the people of Osun deserve tangible benefits from democratic governance, not just promises.
“No state government is borrowing money for projects, enough money is coming to the state and Osun should be better than what I have seen. On the road between Ibadan and here, even the potholes are not fixed,” Akpabio said.
His comments underscore a broader expectation that federal allocations, which have been a recurring point of discussion among state governments, should be matched with visible results in public infrastructure and service delivery.
Alignment with Federal Development Agenda
Akpabio charged Oyebamiji to ensure his administration, should he win, aligns with the Federal Government’s progressive agenda. He argued that a focus on infrastructure transformation and responsible governance would help restore public confidence in the political process.
“Once you are elected and sworn in, you must immediately begin the progressive movement. You must show the people that development is part and parcel of politics, that what they need is the dividends of democracy and not social media,” he added.
The Senate President’s remarks suggest a push for a results-oriented approach to governance, where political leaders are measured by their ability to deliver concrete improvements rather than engage in online discourse.
Looking Ahead to the Governorship Election
With the governorship election approaching, Akpabio’s visit to Osogbo serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved. He offered prayers for Oyebamiji’s guidance, urging him to use Osun’s resources for the benefit of its people and to contribute to national efforts aimed at transforming Nigeria.
The election will determine who leads Osun State for the next term, and the Senate President’s comments place infrastructure development and fiscal responsibility at the centre of the campaign discourse. Whether these calls translate into policy action will depend on the outcome of the vote and the priorities of the incoming administration.
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