Governor Ademola Adeleke’s statements in a recent interview with Channels Television have been defended by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, as an accurate reflection of the state of Osun upon the Governor’s assumption of office and his subsequent performance over the past two years.
Rasheed’s remarks come in response to a statement from the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which challenged the Governor’s claims.
In a statement issued on Friday, Rasheed expressed confidence in Adeleke’s assessment of the state’s governance issues, particularly the alleged looting of government properties by members of the former administration.
He recalled several reports from investigative committees that outlined the mismanagement of resources under the previous government.
Rasheed emphasized, “We are not all suffering from amnesia. The widespread looting of Government House and other official quarters was fully covered by both electronic and print media with several clips across social media. Journalists went round and confirmed this ungodly conduct.”
The spokesperson also described the APC as a “rudderless club” plagued by factionalism and suggested that it might be time to reveal the identities of those responsible for the alleged mismanagement of state resources before and after the 2022 elections.
Noting the extent of the alleged looting, Rasheed highlighted that nearly all the flats in the Press Secretary’s estate had been looted, with only one spared. He also pointed to the widespread theft of official vehicles by the previous administration, some of which have yet to be returned.
“The public was also aware that functionaries of the former government carted away their official vehicles and refused to release them up till now,” Rasheed stated. “A recovery task force actually retrieved some vehicles and is still on the trail of many more.”
Regarding Governor Adeleke’s performance, Rasheed pointed out that positive feedback has been coming from both the public and even some opposition figures.
“The positive ratings are not coming from Mr. Governor or his party but from members of the public and even top opposition leaders,” he said, citing praise from figures such as Comrade Mewolaka, who recently praised the Governor’s “incredible performance.”
Rasheed also underscored the recognition Adeleke’s administration has received from federal agencies. “Several federal agencies commended Mr. Governor and some actually gave awards,” Rasheed noted, referencing accolades from organizations like the National Loans Board and the National Primary Health Challenge.
Addressing claims of corruption, Rasheed reiterated that no evidence has substantiated such allegations. “Even when more money flows into the state in the area of little percentage increment in state allocation, Mr. Governor is deploying such resources to fund health facility upgrades, payment of half salary and pension debt, statewide road and infrastructure upgrades, and several other pro-projects and programmes.”
In conclusion, Rasheed challenged the opposition APC to reconsider its approach, asserting that its tactics of “twisting facts and denying superlative performance” would render it unelectable for the foreseeable future.
“Opposition will remain unelectable for a long time as long as it specializes in twisting facts and denying superlative performance that even the blind are attesting to,” he concluded.