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My attention has been drawn to recent statements made by the member representing Oyo East and West state constituency in the House of Assembly, Honourable Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman regarding the electrification and water supply issues at the Akesan Market, I wish to clarify and set the record straight on behalf of the Oyo East Local Government Area.
The remarks that the electrification aspect of the Akesan Market reconstruction contract was not fully executed is entirely unfounded.
The local government under my watch undertook electrification of the market in line with the stipulated standards in the contract as the attached pictures show, and installed a central bulk metre.
This decision to install the central bulk metre was explained in detail during a meeting with the Iyaloja of Akesan Alhaja Adepeju Bakare and the market traders.
It was clearly communicated that electricity bills would be collectively paid by the traders on a monthly basis, as provision of individual meters for each shop was not within the remit of the contract.
Iyaloja on her part was of the view that monthly collection of electricity bill will be cumbersome as some traders might not be regular in meeting up with this responsibility.
We, however, told them that if they cannot collectively pay for the electricity costs that the only option left for them is to request for personal metres from Ibadan electricity distribution company (IBEDC) for connection to their shops as such is outside the scope of the contract.
Regarding the issue of running water, it is misleading to claim that the market lacks water facilities.
The market have a fully operational water supply for the toilets with a generator set until recently, when a fault occurred in the electrical connection powering the water supply system. This issue was promptly reported by the consultant, and efforts are underway to resolve it.
It is regrettable that the Honourable Member, prior to his election to the Assembly, who was previously engaged as a consultant for managing the market, chose to disseminate incorrect information on issue he ought to know better.
He was the first consultant appointed by the local government administration to manage the market until he had a disagreement with the Iyaloja that involved the police, prompting us to terminate his contract.
As the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the Assembly, we expected thorough investigation from him before his premature conclusion. Instead what we are seeing is politically motivated falsehood aimed at causing disaffection in the local government.
I, therefore, advise the Honourable member Olorunpoto Rahman Cephas to properly consult public records before making such statements on issue of public interest.
We both belong to the same party and serve in the same administration led by our leader His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde . He has personal access to me should he need to consult public records on issues of public interest.
His personal access to me should not be used only when he needs financial assistance from me.
Oyo East Local Government Area under my leadership remain committed to the well-being and prosperity of all our traders and people. Our doors are open to anyone seeking information regarding the Akesan market reconstruction contract. We remain committed to principles of accountability and transparency in public matters.
Prince Saheed Arowosaye
Executive Chairman, Oyo East Local Government.
