Government Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is a classical specimen any time you discuss Government Policy somersaults.
GSM as he is fondly called had many times in his first tenure of four years reversed himself on his Policies.
I will give two examples of such dramatic turn around by Governor Makinde.
The Agbowo shopping Complex which Governor Makinde had earlier leased out to a mysterious Consultant for a fee of five billion Naira and unfortunately, for a fifty years period is now an eye sore.
The processes leading to such an incredible transaction, the activities of the said Consultant, who have duped hundreds of innocent would be investors and the current state of the edifice leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
Despite criticisms from opposition Political Parties and commentators, GSM in his characteristics manner insisted the Policy was well thought out and in the best interest of Oyo State.
It appeared only the Governor saw what others did not see!
As at today, the Governor has chewed his words regarding the concession of Agbowo while promising to review the Policy
Secondly, the much promoted “Light up Oyo State project” met with so much criticisms by opposition Parties and analysts.
Those who criticized the Policy argued that the cost of such a project, about 28 billion Naira for a start was on a high side, that it is not sustainable due to the fact that the street lights are being powered by diesel generators and sundry issues.
Governor Makinde as usual defended justified his decision regarding the Light up Oyo State by promising that the generators would be replaced with Gas and ultimately the source of power would be connected to a planned independent energy generated by Oyo State!
Unfortunately and immediately after the general election that gave him a second term, Governor Makinde turned around and admitted that the Policy has challenges and that he would review it.
On Sunday, 4th of June, 2023, Governor Makinde during a Thanksgiving program in Aremo declared that henceforth, street trading has become an illegality in Oyo State.
He spoke extensively on the chaotic condition of the state capital. A situation he ascribed to street trading, disorderly traffic management and indiscriminate refuse dumpings.
Speaking further, he explained that a Law have been made to ban street trading and indiscriminate refuse dumpings and that an Agency would be created to ensure compliance.
Now, I ask, what was late Ajimobi’s thoughts and policies on street trading and indiscriminate refuse dumpings?
How were his thoughts different from what Makinde is presently pontificating?
What was the traffic system like when Makinde took over from Ajimobi?
What was the condition of the environment when he took over?
Did Ajimobi not bestowed an organized traffic system and a cleaner environment to Makinde?
It is now easy to comprehend and correctly so the personality of the man, Seyi Makinde.
I see the Governor as a man, someone who would play politics with anything, even the lives and well being of the citizens of Oyo State.
The current chaotic condition of the traffic system and extremely dirty environment is a result of Makinde’s reckless decision to play politics at the expense of the state.
He deliberately demonize Ajimobi’s lofty ideas, created the mess we are in and needlessly took us back to Egypt just to get re elected.
Makinde just received a knockout from the late Ajimobi!
SOLA ABEGUNDE.
