Paddy Arikawe Road: Ogun govt critiques Daniel for creating conflict

The Ogun State Government has criticized Senator Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East, for making irresponsible and misleading remarks about Governor Dapo Abiodun concerning the ongoing rehabilitation of the 260-meter stretch of Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road in Sagamu.

The government emphasized that instead of inciting controversy and seeking fame through mischief, Daniel should adhere to proper procedures, which he has consistently overlooked.

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In a statement from the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government accused the former governor of intentionally misrepresenting the situation, provoking the public with falsehoods, and utilizing compliant media to sow discord and confusion in the state.

Akinmade clarified that, contrary to Daniel’s claims of interference, the only instruction issued by the government was aimed at the contractor involved in the project, who had initiated work without the necessary notifications.

“Only a mind bent on mischief will describe adherence to due process as obstruction,” Akinmade said. “The same contractor has since accepted the government’s recommendations, which makes Daniel’s claims even more misleading.”

The governor’s aide questioned why Daniel remains the only federal lawmaker in Ogun State constantly embroiled in disputes over constituency projects. He noted 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,” Akinmade said. “A genuine statesman would comply with established processes rather than attempt to impose shoddy and unsafe engineering works on the people.”

He 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,” Akinmade stressed.

He concluded that while Daniel 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.