A public affairs analyst, Alhaji Malik Ibitoye has absolved the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun of any blame over the dilapidated state of Sango/Ota-Abeokuta road.
Ibitoye, while reacting to the criticisms of the governor by some members of the public on the situation of some federal roads in the State, stated that people should be properly educated about the workings of the three tiers of government.
The analyst drew attention to declaration by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, that the Sango/Ota-Abeokuta road and some other roads in the State were federal roads which, by the Highway Act, could not be taken over by State governments.
Fashola was quoted to have said on the programme anchored by Seun Okinbaloye that the road, which is being constructed by Julius Berger Construction Company, was being financed through the Sukuk fund, adding that Governor Abiodun once told him of his administration’s intention to take over the road, but that he asked him where the fund for repairs would come from.
Ibitoye added that it was extremely difficult for a State government to finance such an expensive road project, adding that the people of Ogun State should appreciate Governor Abiodun’s resolve to take on such a huge project following the Federal Government’s refusal to repair the road despite repeated pleas by the Ogun State government.
“The governor has touched all the 236 wards in the state and there is no doubt that he has been able to change the face of the state. We need to understand the workings of that office and give him the opportunity to work.
“While I am not holding the brief for the governor, I want the people to know the difference between federal and State roads.
“Governor Abiodun is doing his best for the people and we should see him as a man that has the love of his people at heart,” he said.
He then urged the residents of the State to continue to support the State government and contribute their quota to the development of the State as the nation moves towards the 2023 general election.