Source: Daily Post
The Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are at odds over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive barring heavy-duty trucks from the Olaiya Flyover due to safety concerns.
The APC criticized the ban as unnecessary, demanding evidence to support claims regarding the bridge’s safety. Conversely, the PDP argued that the decision was a necessary response to concerns raised by motorists using the flyover.
According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the directive aims to address safety issues identified in technical reports regarding the bridge’s condition. The governor has authorized the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to enforce the ban on heavy-duty vehicles.
During a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, APC leaders expressed skepticism about the safety concerns cited by Adeleke, suggesting they may signal a larger undisclosed agenda from the current administration. They defended the Olaiya Flyover as a high-quality construction, asserting it stands as one of the best legacies of past governance.
Former Commissioner for Works Oluremi Omowaiye, who oversaw the flyover’s construction, emphasized that the project underwent thorough evaluations at each stage. He insisted that it was built to high standards, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and preventing accidents.
Omowaiye challenged the current government to produce any technical documentation that proves the bridge is substandard. He stated that the construction was rooted in careful planning, including environmental impact assessments and traffic counts.
“The flyover was designed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, a goal achieved during the previous administration and maintained since,” he said, highlighting features like cultural elements and safety measures integrated into the project.
In response, PDP Media Director Oladele Bamiji defended the governor’s actions, stating they were intended to protect public safety rather than serve political interests. He noted that motorists had raised concerns about the flyover’s condition, prompting legislative discussions on its safety.
Bamiji reaffirmed that the governor’s decisions are backed by the PDP and are focused on the welfare of residents. “The safety of lives and property in Osun is paramount, surpassing any political legacy,” he stated, emphasizing that the governor is not seeking to diminish anyone’s contributions to the state.