The Ogun State New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) gubernatorial candidate, Comrade Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has called on the State government to rise to the challenges of flooding and providing succor for the affected residents.
Comrade Oguntoyinbo made this known to journalists in Abeokuta the state capital today. He advised residents in flood-prone areas to be more alert and take the next possible move towards safeguarding their lives and properties.
Speaking on recent forecast of impending rain, he said the state government should rise to the occasion of finding a lasting solution to flooding as a disaster.
He decried the deplorable state of public infrastructure in the state, especially in urban centers outside the state capital , pointing out that they were neglected.
Comrade Oguntoyinbo added that,”The reason government exists is for the people, and any problem that confronts the citizens is the responsibility of the government”.
He declared that,”there are enough resources in the state to provide basic infrastructure for the people, that only insensitivity on the side of the government would make it look the other way while the citizens were suffering, lacking such infrastructures ”.
“The raining season have shown how badly our state of infrastructure. Almost everywhere we visited was flooded, with several vehicles breaking down at random.
“Many road users were forced to remove their shoes and walk through very dirty flood water. There are many potholes and worse, no drainage to channel the water.”
Comrade Oguntoyinbo,referring to recent warnings by the meteorological department, said that should wake the government from its slumber.
He added that,” A lot of money is wasted every day by citizens once it rains. Aside from the vehicles that get damaged on regular basis, many get stuck on the road, and the passengers, are forced to get to their offices and workplaces late, affecting productivity and people’s prosperity.
According to him, the state has gotten to a point of development where certain public infrastructures should work, so that the economy would be boosted to make life meaningful to the people.
The NNPP candidate advised the good people of Ogun State to be vigilant and environmentally responsible, especially against the backdrop that the floods have a way of covering up deep gullies that could drown unsuspecting individuals and also swallow vehicles.
He added that,”Our observation in some parts of the state outside the state capital,for example, Sango Otta area down to the Olambe Giwa axis where we saw many craters on the roads, with canals close to the undone roads and yet not covered.
“In these places, including Ibafo, Mowe and Ajuwon, many community areas were covered by flood, and we were wondering the neglect.
“How can a set of people say they are government and refuse to provide basic comfort for the people?”
“My advice to the people of Ogun is to take additional precaution in this season for their safety, while we will continue to urge the government to rise to its responsibilities.
“Parents particularly should be careful sending their children on errands because of the floods”.
He called on the electorates to vote wisely for NNPP and all its candidates in the 2023 general election, to get out of this regrettable stage of the state.