Makinde: How we saved N1bn from road project awarded by past administration

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo, says his administration has saved N1 billion through re-evaluation and re-assessment of a road project awarded by the immediate past administration in the state.

The governor said this on Thursday while inaugurating a nine-kilometre road linking Saki town with Ilesha/Baruba in Oke-Ogun area of the state.

Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, was a guest of honour at the event.

Makinde said his administration will not ignore the projects started by the immediate past administration, but added that the initial contract awarded quoted a huge amount which the present administration was able to reduce.

“When we say we are engineering a new Oyo state, this is exactly what we mean. Indeed, we are building and designing a new Oyo state and the foundation of the design is a proper road network. This is why we did not ignore viable projects started by our predecessors,” he said.

“I am saying it today; I am giving them the credit. They started this road. We know it is very possible to play politics with this road but we would not play politics with the development of our people.

“We are delivering this road at a lower cost than when it was first awarded in 2016. In physical cash going into the pocket of the state, we have saved N1 billion and this is what we will continue to do — to deliver good governance to the people of Oyo state with zero wastage.

“We have seen an administration in this Oyo state that said they would not complete the projects started by their predecessors but start their own projects. Yes, they started theirs and for eight years, they could not complete what they started.

“Those talking and thinking about 2023, when they come to tell you that the Saki road was started by the past administration, tell them it does not matter who started but who finished it.”

The governor also said the road will be extended by 1.2 kilometres, based on the request of the traditional ruler of Saki and the chief judge of the state.

Speaking at the event, Fintiri said he was impressed by the achievements of Makinde on road infrastructure, adding that the projects he has seen in the state can only be found in states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).