By, Olamide Tiamiyu
The recent press conference convened by the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State starkly illustrates a profound disregard for the very citizens they purport to represent.
What was intended as a critique of the government led by Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke quickly devolved into a platform for the party to air their grievances over a defeat they suffered more than two years ago. Their palpable disdain for the electorate who voted them out was on full display.
The APC leadership in Osun has faced mounting criticism for their relentless pursuit of power. Rather than offering constructive solutions or engaging in meaningful dialogue with their national counterparts to address the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the state, they resorted to unfounded accusations against a government that prioritizes the welfare of its people. This reflects a concerning neglect of the very issues that matter to the citizens.
The press conference unveiled a troubling mindset within the party, one that prioritizes political survival over the well-being of the populace.
This miscalculation reveals not only a deep-seated malice but also a profound disconnect from the needs of the constituents they aim to govern. While it is clear they do not expect to win back the trust of the electorate, their attempts to force their way back into power are a pipe dream that will ultimately fail.
The visible increase in heavy-duty vehicles transiting through Osun to neighboring states since the closure of the Oyo-Ogbomoso road underscores the necessity of the government’s foresighted decisions.
What, then, is the crime in implementing measures to safeguard public infrastructure, such as restricting lorries from using the Ola-Iya flyover? The APC’s dismissive attitude, summed up in their mantra of “Let them cry and wail,” is precisely the mindset that led to their rejection at the polls.
If members of the previous administration, under Governor Oyetola, could only muster a press conference to lament a decision aimed at preventing crises, it speaks volumes about their governance style, which was ultimately anti-people.
Their evident satisfaction in witnessing civil servants and pensioners suffer from poverty and inadequate infrastructure, which has tragically claimed lives along routes like Osogbo-Ikirun, is deeply troubling. It is now clear that the Oyetola administration actively chose to neglect essential healthcare services.
A responsible party, genuinely concerned for its constituents, would have used a press conference to address the urgent issues at hand: the soaring price of petrol at ₦1,100 per litre, the dollar exchange rate hitting ₦1,705, rising costs of basic goods, and the pervasive insecurity plaguing our nation, all under the APC’s watch.
Instead of offering a roadmap for progress, APC leaders opted for divisive politics that further alienate the populace. Their alarming disconnect from the people reflects a leadership devoid of any meaningful agenda for public happiness.
Regardless of their stance, Osun State is progressing under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. It is crucial for the APC to understand that true leadership is founded on empathy, accountability, and a commitment to service.
Today’s press conference serves as a stark reminder to the people of Osun: APC leaders remain entrenched in self-preservation rather than genuine service.
The people will continue to support Imole, who has earned their trust and demonstrated unwavering dedication to their welfare.
Olamide Tiamiyu,
Ward 8, Olorunda LG.
