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Abiodun vs Amosun: Joining the debate

Published

5 years ago

July 30, 2019

The comments credited to Architect Segun Abiodun, the immediate past Commissioner for Housing in Ogun State, made my gorge rise. Abiodun, in a press statement on the controversial Ogun Judicial Complex, accused the current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, of “chasing shadows.”

The Amosun government misled the public one too many times. For instance, in early April this year, the media was awash with the news of Amosun saying that 3,000 students had completed admission processes at Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia and would matriculate in May. But subsequent findings showed that the former governor deliberately deceived the public as no such admission procedure took place not to talk of matriculation. Thank God Amosun himself said to newsmen that the new polytechnic would take off in May as everything, according to him, was ready. Otherwise he would have blamed Governor Dapo Abiodun for his “abandoned project” at Ipokia.

Again, a few days to his exit from power, we read in the press that Amosun had paid the severance gratuity of all his political office holders and did not owe the civil servants. But the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress debunked the news report at a press conference, listing all the entitlements being owed by Amosun.

The NLC chair spoke of the “discomfort, pain and irreparable damages the outgoing administration has inflicted on the public servants and their families in the state are unbearable.

“Some homes have been broken, lives have been lost to common ailments due to lack of money for medications and treatment; wards and children admission to higher institution lost, personal project abandoned, professional training and development programme abandoned and predisposition of workers to many embarrassing situations making many chronic debtors as a result of non-payment of salaries and other entitlements due to them.”

One was shocked to the marrow to discover that apart from Segun Abiodun and a few others, the majority of Amosun political office holders suffered untold financial hardship. Some of them, who are friends and relatives, confirmed that Amosun paid them half salaries throughout their tenure and denied them the most basic of their entitlements. Undenied reports in the social media have it that contrary to the widely circulated rumours that the Amosun government paid the severance of all the political office holders that served between 2015 and 2019, his own special assistants and senior special advisers were not paid and have appealed to the Abiodun government to offset the severance in order to encourage sacrificial service by public office holders.

Last but not the least, whereas ex-governor Amosun consistently claimed in the newspapers that workers’ wage bill was N9.2 billion per month, the government of Dapo Abiodun discovered the wage bill was actually N7 billion per month, prompting stakeholders in Ogun to demand from Amosun to explain the whereabouts of the monthly balance of N2.2 billion for eight solid years.

Given this background, the comments by Segun Abiodun, the Commissioner for Housing, came to one as most insensitive, as it rubs pepper on the wounds of majority of past political office holders that served with him in the Amosun government and the civil servants. Hear Segun Abiodun, in the widely circulated press release:

“The comments of Prince Dapo Abiodun so far on projects inherited from the Amosun Administration have indeed confirmed fears that many of them would be denied of funding to frustrate their completion so as to label them as abandoned projects of the Amosun Administration. Thankfully the Amosun-led administration foresaw this and ensured that on-going projects were either fully paid for or advance payments of between 80 – 90% were made. But for this pro-activeness, all the projects would have been truncated.”

The pertinent questions are: Where did Amosun get the fund to pay contractors 100 per cent or 90 per cent in advance, for projects not yet executed at the time when Ogun public and civil workers were being owed billions of naira entitlements and consequently being turned into beggars by the Amosun administration?

And where has it ever happened in Nigeria that a governor would pay 100 per cent or 90 per cent upfront for multi-billion naira projects in our well-known system notorious for corruption and where contractors often play pranks with public funds in collusion with some unpatriotic government functionaries? Is it not surprising that despite the untold financial suffering imposed on its workers, the Amosun government surreptitiously went ahead to pay 100 per cent for a judicial complex that was launched when it was just about 35 per cent completed? Now, the contractors want to renegotiate with the Abiodun government just six weeks after Amosun left government with a view to increasing the contract value! What audacity? What an attempted rip-off? This, certainly, demands a judicial probe.

One must commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for resisting the pressure to part with the scarce resources of the state on some of the self-serving projects of the Amosun administration.

However, the coup de grace in Segun Abiodun’s vacuous press statement was his unsolicited advice to the new governor: “We implore Prince Dapo Abiodun to roll up his sleeves and begin to work for the people of Ogun State rather than chasing shadows, trying to find fault in every project of the Amosun Administration.”

Well, one wonders why this advice was not made available to Amosun when he was in power. Out of the 20 or 25 model schools built by Amosun, only one was said to be partly functioning before he left office on May 29. Yet he spent about N1 billion on each school before abandoning them to rodents, reptiles and area boys. Virtually all the uncompleted model schools were overgrown with bush years before Amosun left office. Did Amosun also pay 100 per cent ahead for the model schools and then abandoned them by himself three clear years before he left government? Are the multi-billion naira model schools not abandoned projects of the Amosun administration? And why would the former governor abandon the model school project that was said to be dear to his heart mid-way into completion only to go ahead to pay 100 per cent upfront for new projects, shockingly, on the eve of his departure from power? If this action of Amosun is not treated as manifestly suspicious, as to warrant a judicial probe, then I wonder if we will ever get it right in this country.

At least I know the model schools in Owode Ofada, Kemta in Abeokuta, Ilaro and one in Ijebu. They were abandoned by Amosun since 2014, five clear years before he left government after spending billions of naira on them. We await Segun Abiodun’s response to this and the fantasy 250-bedroom specialist hospital that Amosun began on the eve of his exit while the state hospital Ijaye in Abeokuta and OOUTH, the only teaching hospital in the state, were completely in ruins.

Barr Oladele, public policy commentator, writes from Akute, Ogun State.

celebrity radar - gossips

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

Published

9 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

In the vibrant world of Fuji music, where the artistry of storytelling and cultural commentary thrive, Saheed Osupa has carved out a unique role as both an artist and an influencer of thought. Recently, his name has been lighting up social media discussions and generating significant buzz—not just because of his music but because of the depth of his words. Osupa’s trending status is rooted in his ability to subtly address pressing issues, particularly those surrounding the ongoing tension between fellow Fuji musicians Taye Currency and Pasuma Wonder.

Osupa’s recent contributions to this situation have not been straightforward; rather, he has adopted an artistic approach, using parables and proverbs—sometimes through complex storytelling—to impart wisdom. These nuanced messages, often hidden within his lyrics, resonate with fans who appreciate the clever way he brings age-old Yoruba wisdom into contemporary issues. One notable example involves a story about an animal (traditionally symbolizing patience and resilience) that many believe reflects Osupa’s thoughts on rivalry and pride. Through this parable, he seems to suggest the importance of self-reflection and restraint, especially in the heat of conflict.

In a genre that values not only musicality but also the power of words, Osupa has long been seen as a master of *itan*, or storytelling. His recent songs echo the traditional Yoruba way of imparting wisdom through tales that serve as lessons. This is a skill that few artists have mastered, making his approach particularly impactful in today’s fast-paced digital world, where nuanced messages can often be overlooked.

Beyond the Taye Currency-Pasuma Wonder issue, Osupa’s trending status is also due to his reputation as a voice of reason and maturity in Fuji music. As a genre that is often vibrant and full of competitive spirit, Fuji has its share of rivalries. Yet, Osupa has often stood out by promoting unity and peaceful dialogue among Fuji artists. By sharing these reflective stories in his music, he adds layers of meaning that fans continue to unpack and discuss, drawing new audiences who appreciate both the artistry and wisdom behind his words.

The charm of Saheed Osupa lies in his timeless approach. In a world where trends are fleeting, he reminds fans of the importance of timeless values, urging reflection, humility, and understanding. As fans interpret and share his latest stories, Osupa’s message continues to resonate widely—proof that, in Fuji, the power of words can be as influential as the beat of the drum.

celebrity radar - gossips

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

Published

11 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.

Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.

Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.

Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.

Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.

Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.

With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.

celebrity radar - gossips

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

Published

17 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has congratulated Major-General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff, (Ag COAS, Nigerian Army).

The Convener of the Coalition, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, in a statement, said General Oluyede has the responsibility to consolidate the success achieved by the Nigerian Army under General Taoreed Lagbaja.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday, October 30, appointed Oluyede as acting COAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Coalition said his appointment is a welcome development. It said: “Major-General Olufemi Oluyede is well qualified for the position. He was a member of the 39th regular course and commissioned as an officer in 1987. Aged 56, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General in September 2020. A professional and top-notch security expert, he brings a lot of hope and inspiration to younger officers as acting chief of Army Staff.

“His appointment is the way to go. As the acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede has the responsibility to lead an army that will administratively manage the institution, consolidate on the success achieved by General Lagbaja and his team to mop up remnants of insurgents, bandits and the ragtag criminal elements in the North, and dismantle the ethnic militias in the Southeast to bring peace in the country.

“The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with General Lagbaja, with a track record and excellent service to the nation. Both are members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as officers in 1987.

“Oluyede’s meritorious career began as a Platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and commandant of Amphibious Training School.

“Oluyede has been part of many notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.

“He has received honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, and Grand Service Star, all recognition for passing the Staff Course and membership in the National Institute, and his dedication and achievements in service.”