Adeleke faults Oyebamiji’s seven-point agenda

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has sharply criticized the manifesto of the opposition party, labeling it an "ill-thought-out concoction" intended to mislead the populace. Speaking after the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress May Day rally, Adeleke asserted that the APC's "Osun Prosperity Agenda" demonstrates confusion and a lack of understanding of the state's needs. He particularly took aim at proposals concerning agricultural processing zones, arguing that they ignore the fundamental need for robust agricultural production, an area where his administration has reportedly invested heavily.

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Under economic revival, the Osun APC mentioned agro-processing zones in each senatorial district. But the Oyetola/Ambo government in their days gave less than N100m per year to agriculture (cash crops and food crops) between 2017 and 2022. Governor Adeleke has, however, invested heavily in cash crop expansion with tractorisation and seedling initiatives. Oyebamiji’s fundamental thought is warped because you cannot have processing value when you don’t have agricultural production.

Governor Adeleke also questioned the opposition's stance on internally generated revenue and support for artisans and traders, recalling their tenure when, he claims, such groups were heavily taxed without empowerment. He contrasted this with his administration's disbursement of significant funds to cooperative movements. Furthermore, he dismissed claims regarding workers and pensioners, referring to the opposition as "labour's poison," and highlighted the absence of a state ICT policy during their time, contrasting it with his administration's focus on youth and tech empowerment through initiatives like Osun Tech City.

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Oyebamiji mentioned internally generated revenue without pain, but as Finance Commissioner, he taxed artisans, traders, and okada riders till his last days in office without empowering them or supporting their welfare.

In response, the Osun APC's Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Oluremi Omowaiye, defended the "Prosperity Agenda," stating it has garnered massive public acceptance and has unsettled the Adeleke camp. The campaign council dismissed the governor's criticisms as predictable and from a "rudderless" administration, insisting that their blueprint is comprehensive and forward-looking. This exchange underscores the intense political maneuvering and differing visions for Osun State's development as the political landscape remains highly competitive.

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The opposition made deceitful claims of workers and pensioners first, with arrears to be cleared through structured financing. It is a lie. Ambo and his team are labour’s poison.