You are a liar: Ogun govt knocks actor Kunle Afod

The government was reacting to a video circulated by Afod in which the actor alleged that accident victims were left without emergency assistance for about 20 minutes.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, the government disputed the actor’s account, saying emergency responders were alerted at 12:18 p.m. and arrived at the scene at 12:28 p.m.

According to the statement, a passerby reported the accident at the FRSC point in Ogere, where a state ambulance was stationed, prompting an immediate response from emergency personnel.

The government explained that the ambulance and FRSC officials had to navigate the expressway and cross over to the opposite carriageway to reach the accident scene at Saapade.

It maintained that the Ogun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OGSAES) responded promptly and played a crucial role in rescuing victims.

The statement also disclosed that six ambulance points had been established between OPIC and Ogunmakin along the expressway, adding that the state’s emergency call centre did not receive any distress call from the area concerning the accident.

The Nigeria Police and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) were also said to have participated in the rescue operation.

The government said victims were initially taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, while those with more serious injuries were transported by the state ambulance to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

While expressing sympathy with the families of those affected and wishing the injured a speedy recovery, the government accused Afod of using the tragedy to score political points and damage the image of the Abiodun administration.

Akinmade alleged that the actor was a supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Ladi Adebutu, and had recently produced a campaign video for the opposition politician.

The government said Afod was entitled to support any political party or candidate but should not allow his political leanings to influence his account of an incident involving injured people.

Describing the actor’s allegations as false and politically motivated, the government said his comments were capable of misleading the public about the state’s emergency response operations.

“It is unfortunate that a partisan Nollywood actor chose to peddle falsehood out of spite, making a mockery of the respected industry he represents.

“Contrary to the wild, patently false claims by Mr Kunle Afod intended to incite violence against the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OGSAES) responded swiftly to the accident in question,” the statement said.

Akinmade further condemned what he described as an attempt to politicise the suffering of accident victims, insisting that the state government would not be distracted by efforts to discredit its emergency response system.

The government also used the opportunity to urge motorists to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution while travelling on highways across the state.

It specifically warned against speeding, dangerous overtaking, reckless driving and other practices that put the lives of motorists and other road users at risk. Drivers were also advised to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy and comply with safety guidelines issued by the FRSC.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to road safety and emergency response, Akinmade urged residents to report emergencies through the state’s dedicated emergency line, 08112000033.

The statement also clarified that Ogun State was not currently operating the national emergency number 112, explaining that the Nigerian Communications Commission had yet to make the service functional in the state despite efforts by the government to activate it.