As a good citizen of Oyo state and social critic, it is apparent to look into some of the lapses of the Makinde Government. While some think its about politics or I’m taking side in support of the opposition party, I will rather implore all to take a microscopic glance on the constructivism of this criticism. The undying fact remains that he’s loved by all and sundry doesn’t give him a license of not being criticised. Once it’s not politically inclined.
Much times have I visited Ibadan as a typical Ibadan indigene and staunch lover of Seyi Makinde’s style of governance. I hear people showering encomiums and praises on him because he’s loved and working for the masses. Quite Commendable. On my recent visit, as usual, I embacked on my grassroot journalism to know whether he still dwell in the heart of the people. Rough assessment.
Lo and Behold, there are some many changes in the story I heard compared to the one during the first visit. I had some talks with byclycle riders in the state and other matters arising from the state. A mantra of “Auxiliary will destroy Makinde’s Government” rented the air by the poor ‘Olokadas’. The Park Management System Introduced by the Governor is highly commendable but he made the wrong choice while choosing. Sure! Auxiliary’s loyalty during campaign.
Yet, his excesses is painting the government “double colour”, I could vividly recall that the Fresh FM Mayor once interviewed Prof. Afonja (Comm for works and maintenance) he also affirmed that they are hearing the same report, Mayor even gave an instance of a park where they collect 21,500 from drivers travelling to North(precise state not recalled) while they remit 500 to the government coffer. I doubt if Makinde is aware of this. Many untold reports should be withheld for security reasons. This article is not funded by any NURTW or does not in any way attack the personality of The PMS disciplinary manager yet it address the level at which they extort the poor masses. “Olokadas and Micra drivers”.
An intelligent report unveiled that whenever the Manager is going to office every morning, all cars before his car must vacate the road to avoid “pankere”, hope the ancient days is not returning to Oyo. Who dares talk? Death? Maybe.
There have been other fees added aside the daily 100naira, and those who fail to pay are beaten rootlessly, hope you remember this was about to cause chaos between Igboho Oosha And the PMS manager, where he (Igboho) sternly advised the government curb the excesses of the PMS manager.
Hope Makinde won’t trade his second term with the excesses of his appointee, till date, The PMS has committed more atrocious offences that what “Adigun Ibadan” did. Won’t the manager’s act sabotage Makinde effort to flush the PMS? Question for the gods I think.
While many protests have been done by helpless Ibadan riders, they see the government not replying as gross ineptitude. Maybe He would come out and take responsibility again, after the deed as been done, people are crying, the extortion is beyond the NURTW era. Shoot the shot, Ibadan can never be ruled with total friendliness.
I wish to add few lines on other matters arising but I don’t won’t to hold my readers into ransom, Dear PMS Manager, People are Crying bitterly amidst this pandemic. Save their heads from the scorching sun of extortion. Let’s laugh again.
Oladele Opeyemi
A Grassroot Journalist
