Ogun LP governorship candidates faults for abandoning developmental plans of predecessors

Gov. Dapo Abiodun

By Damilola Ajibola

Kehinde Sogunle, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Ogun State in the last election, has faulted the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for neglecting developmental plans of his predecessors.

Sogunle, in a statement made available to News Contact Online, the action of the governor had been responsible for “perceived” backwardness of the state under his leadership.

In the statement titled “Turning away from sugar-Coats – Cosmetics, Optics, Acoustics, and Theatrics”, Sogunle expressed concerns about the direction of governance in the state.

The economic expert alleged that the Governor has squandered the initial goodwill it received after the 2019 elections, saying that a small group of self-serving individuals has exerted control over decision-making processes, hindering inclusive governance.

While lamenting the lack of inclusivity, collaboration, and cooperation in the current administration’s governance philosophy, Sogunle noted the prevalence of exclusivity that hampers the participation of well-meaning individuals and groups in the state’s development. 

He criticized the lack of continuity and engagement with key stakeholders in the State’s development process, saying the absence of consistent interaction with the governor, cancellation of economic summits, and limited involvement of enlightened residents and economic actors had created a development gap and hampers the state’s progress. 

“The PDA government has not lived with the intents and practice of the espoused mantra of ‘Building our Future Together’ which suggests inclusivity, collaboration and cooperation. There is a wide gap between the espoused acoustics of working together and the practice of involvement and inclusion of the necessary constituents. What is perceived is a utilitarian approach suitable for the exclusive design and limited private benefits that is desired,” he said.

“The lack of meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, including the Transition and Handover Committee members, industrialists, manufacturers, and the civil service, has resulted in a gap in development and strategic planning”. 

“The administration has failed to build upon existing development agendas and regional plans, leading to a discontinuity in progress and a perceived backwardness in comparison to neighbouring Lagos State”.

“Governance is a continuum, particularly when it is realised that it is for the purpose of serving the people. The Dapo Abiodun administration has not significantly built on the development foundations laid by his predecessors. He rather has been engaging on choosy convenient and cosmetics connections that suits the perceived short-term tendencies of his administration”.

 “The economic clusters development master plan being developed can be seen to be emphasising sectional interests as it unduly concentrates projects in certain areas to the disadvantage of others”, he added.

He further criticized the government’s handling of border locations and infrastructure projects, highlighting a lack of holistic development vision and a concentration of efforts in certain areas while neglecting others. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to development, driven by collaboration, continuity, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the people.

Sogunle therefore called for a more deliberate and inclusive approach to governance, urging Governor Abiodun to focus on fostering a concerted, holistic, sustainable, and accelerated trajectory of growth and development. 

He emphasized the importance of collaborative planning, drawing from the state’s existing development agenda and regional plans to the development and growth of the State.