The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has told his political opponents to wait till 2023 to face him at the polls.
The governor, who spoke while flagging off the reconstruction of the 65-kilometre Moniya-Ijaye-Iseyin Road, said that the people of the state rejected the main opposition party because they did nothing to develop the state.
A statement by Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, quoted Makinde as saying that even though the previous administration awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the road, the job was not done while the money released was shared for the purpose of elections.
“We have told them to meet us in 2023,” Governor Makinde said, adding: “Though they got money, they did nothing. They spent the money on elections but did you vote for them? If they come to ask for your votes, will you vote for them?”
The governor further stated that he was determined to execute the road contract as a way of fulfilling his campaign promise.
He said: “I appreciate you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. During our campaign from here (Moniya) to Oke-Ogun, I promised that I will reconstruct the road if I become the governor and, today, I am happy that it is the same project we are flagging off.”
The governor restated the resolve of his administration to construct infrastructure that will target the state’s economy, adding that when completed, the road, which is quite close to ongoing Dry Port project at Olorisaoko, will aid the movement of agricultural produce and mineral resources from Oke-Ogun area to the Dry Port for onward exporting.
The 65-kilometre road is being executed by KOPEK Construction Company, at the cost of N9.9 billion.
The governor, who described the road as an important one that can uplift the economy of the state, said his government was embarking on the total reconstruction of the road as opposed to the planned rehabilitation by the immediate past administration.
He berated how the road had been abandoned for years, culminating in loss of lives and properties as well as the destruction of farm produce due to the deplorable condition of the road.
The governor further said: “On this project, we are not talking about patching but total reconstruction of the road. I know you are all aware that there is a Dry Port project ongoing here in Olorisaoko. So, when they are conveying agricultural produces and solid minerals all the way from Oke-Ogun, this is the point where we will be exporting them.
