Don’t quote Tinubu out of context, Aiyedatiwa clarifies flyover comments

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has clarified President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments on the construction of flyovers by state governors, saying the President did not condemn governors for building the infrastructure.

It was earlier reported that Tinubu urged state governors to stop building flyovers in areas with low traffic and instead channel their significantly increased federal allocations into road networks that would improve living standards and give security agencies better access to remote areas.

The President noted that states were now receiving four to five times what they used to get from the Federation Account.

Aiyedatiwa, while speaking during the flag-off of the 2.38-kilometre flyover project at Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the state capital, on Monday, said the project was necessary to ease traffic congestion in the heart of the city.

According to him, the President’s comment on flyover construction did not apply to the newly flagged-off project.

He said, “Let me quickly remind all of us, especially those naysayers that never see anything good in what we are doing. This is not the kind of location Mr President was referring to when he said governors should stop building flyovers. This is not the kind.

“He said they should not erect them where they are unnecessary. So you must add the other side of his speech. Do not quote Mr President out of context. He said where it is necessary, you can do it. This one is more than necessary, and that is why we are doing it.

“Therefore, I want to thank Mr President for the reforms that he has embarked upon that have allowed all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to access more money from the Federation Account.”

Aiyedatiwa explained that the project was a strategic intervention under his administration’s urban renewal and infrastructural development agenda.

“The Oyemekun off Oba Adesida axis is one of the busiest arteries of the state capital, Akure. The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing presented that careful study was made before we embarked on this project. It has long served as the fulcrum of commercial, administrative and social activity in the capital city.

“It connects our foremost markets, financial institutions and educational establishments, places of worship and dense residential settlements. It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure passes daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain because of high traffic on the road. Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents.

“These challenges hamper productivity, discourage investment and compromise the safety and well-being of our citizens. A responsible government must therefore act decisively to remedy the situation, and that is exactly what we are doing right now.”

The governor urged the contractor handling the project to deliver according to the design, budget and schedule, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, quality, safety and integrity.

“Adhere strictly to the approved design specifications and timelines, and ensure that the project is delivered to the enduring benefit of our people,” the governor instructed.