Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the Governor-elect of my state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun on his resounding success at the polls during the just concluded election. It was a fight that was well fought. A journey that was well travelled. An ambition that was credited with success and a victory that was well deserved. I must also commend your wife for holding forth the home front all the while you were at the battle front. She surely must be commended and encouraged. Not only that, her first assignment that was performed sometimes last week at a Christian programme was equally handled with dignity. I wish you and the family Lord's protection as you start to steer the ship of the state.
I will be writing to you series of letters on my blog on how we can jointly develop our state. This is not because you don't know or do not have enough men and resources to advise you; far from it. You can also not tell us that you do not have sufficient knowledge of the state because you were a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You have also lived most of your life within the state especially in the last 12 years thereby knowing fully well what the common man has been going through in the past 8 years. I have therefore taken it upon myself as a citizen and as part of my own responsibility towards the state to continue and inform you always about the plight of the common man on the street in other to help you succeed.
The quality of the people constituted by you to liaise with the out-going government is commendable. I believe they have the abilities and capabilities to do a thorough job. We the citizens will not want to listen to stories from your government that it was because the last government did this or that once you have taken over the mantle by the 29th of this month. All issues should be properly sorted. Questions should be asked where not satisfied. Issues should be raised until things are properly sorted.
I will also want to remind you that the history of Ogun State in the last 12 years will for long be remembered because of the following reasons:
1. It was the first time that we had the opportunity of having the President of the nation coming from our state for 8 years in the new political dispensation. During his last 4 years, he took us from "opposition" to the "mainstream" of Nigeria politics but with nothing to show for it as dividend(s) of democracy to the state. I think It might be better for us a state at least for now to be in opposition and enjoy our democracy.
2. In the last 4 years, we had the Speaker of the House of Representatives from the State. Rather than it constituting a political advantage, the in-fighting between the Speaker and the State Governor took the shine off the position. Though I must commend Speaker for seeing that the Lagos-Otta-Abeokuta road was completed after a decade of almost inactivity.
3. The Federal Government presence in Ogun state are probably less than 10. I stand to be corrected on this but if my memory can still recollect, I might not be far from the truth. Efforts should start in earnest to ask for the share of Federal Government presence in the State.
4. For almost half of the parliamentary year of 2007- 2011 and up till now, the House of Assembly could not sit to make laws for proper administration of the state. Most of the actions of G9 members to that of the G15 can better be described as a "Jankara" system of how not to rule. You should please give the lawmakers opportunity to perform their duties.
4. Most of the infrastructures built during the last 8 years are presently in different states of dilapidation. Your government might need to either overhaul them or totally rebuild some of them. Most of the projects are now where they are because there are no standards set to guide the contacts and the contractors. Efforts must be made to see that this is put in place long before you start issuing out contracts. More importantly, let the Companies or the Contractors provide insurance policies that will cover various projects before they are awarded to them. In case of any default or jobs not properly done, their insurance companies will be liable.
5. There are now many more 1st Class Traditional rulers in the state than ever before so you must be ready to earmark more funds for their upkeep.
6. The impoverishment of the people have gone on for too long. The reason why the people staked their lives for you during the campaign period and as well voted for you. Please let them your be your immediate priority.
I will today live you to ponder on these few areas while I trust that God will surely grant you the wisdom, knowledge and understanding by which you will need to administer the state.
Yours Sincerely,
Aayekooto.
Long Live Ogun state.
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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