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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government on Sunday flayed the senator representing Ogun East senatorial district at the National Assembly, Gbenga Daniel, over what it described as “reckless and misleading comments” made by the senator against Governor Dapo Abiodun over the ongoing 260-meter rehabilitation of Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road in Sagamu.
Senator Daniel on Saturday, while addressing his constituents in Erunwon, Ijebu North East Local Government Area of the state, had accused the state government of obstructing the execution of the road project which is part of his constituency projects.
Daniel equally urged the state government not to allow petty politics to short-change the people of Ogun East.
Reacting to the senator’s allegations, the Ogun State Government, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor Kayode Akinmade, however, faulted Daniel’s submission, accusing him of distorting facts, inciting the public with false claims, and using pliant media outlets to promote discord and confusion in the state.
Akinmade noted that rather than stirring controversy and seeking cheap popularity, Daniel should learn to respect due process, which he has persistently ignored.
The statement explained that contrary to Daniel’s allegations of obstruction, the only directive given by the government was for the contractor handling the project – who had commenced work without notifying the state – to regularize its operations by following laid-down procedures.
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“Only a mind bent on mischief will describe adherence to due process as obstruction. The same contractor has since accepted the government’s recommendations, which makes Daniel’s claims even more misleading”, the statement pointed out.
Akinmade, however, questioned why Daniel remains the only federal lawmaker in Ogun State constantly embroiled in disputes over constituency projects, noting that others have executed projects without encountering resistance from the government.
“It is ironic that Senator Daniel, who spent years undermining state institutions while in power, now pretends to seek collaboration. A genuine statesman would comply with established processes rather than attempt to impose shoddy and unsafe engineering works on the people”, he stressed.
The Governor Abiodun’s aide further recalled Daniel’s past confrontations with the law, including his refusal to present documents for properties in Sagamu during a routine verification exercise, adding that such disregard for due process is unbecoming of a former governor and now a senator.
“Daniel, who is currently under suspension by his party’s state executive, has made it a pastime to attack the government at every turn. He complains about roads, yet, how many did he construct as governor? Meanwhile, the present administration has built over 1,000 kilometers of roads across the state.
“He may continue his media war, the Ogun State Government under Governor Abiodun will never compromise the rule of law or endanger the public simply to satisfy the whims of a single individual”, the statement concluded.
