Hon. Makinde did, in fact, sponsor a motion regarding the dualization of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road during the 9th Assembly. However, the actualization of a project goes way beyond moving a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives. It is, however, a laudable step.Legislative intervention as it relates to getting the Executive arm of Government to approve and execute any project, involves varios steps such as getting the relevant MDA to buy into the project and for the Executive arm of Government to provide for its funding. The Legislature itself recognises this, hence the use of the word “urge” in such motions. Urge, as we all know, means to persuade.The executive arm of the government, therefore, has to be persuaded to approve and execute any project, the subject matter of a motion.
Despite Hon. Makinde’s efforts in the 9th Assembly, the project was neither approved nor implemented at that time. The matter again gained significant traction in the House of Representatives, when Hon. Festus Adefiranye moved a similar motion. Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, on his part, elected to approach the actualization of the said project from a different angle.
In ensuring the actualization of the project, Senator Adegbonmire played a critical role in ensuring that the project moved beyond legislative discussions to actualization. As a member of the Appropriation Committee of the Senate , he had the strategic leverage to lobby for the necessary funding. Understanding the fiscal constraints involved in executing a project of this magnitude, he held the view that a phased funding approach would be the best option. This would entail first getting the design for the project funded and then lobby for the project to be funded through a special intervention fund. This strategy, in his opinion, would ensure that the financial commitment required for the project was sustainable and achievable.
Senator Adegbonmire, in pursuance of this strategy, made direct appeals through official correspondence to key decision-makers.
On Monday, 13th November 2023, he sent a letter to His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The letter, titled:
“A PASSIONATE REQUEST FOR A GRANT OF N600,000,000 MILLION UNDER THE 2024 APPROPRIATION FOR ONDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, ONDO STATE”,
requested the inclusion of N600,000,000 in the 2024 Appropriation for the design of the dualization of Ore-Ondo; Ondo-Akure Road under the Federal Ministry of Works
On Friday, 15th December 2023, Senator Adegbonmire sent another letter to Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, FCA, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, titled:
“REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF PROJECT FOR ONDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, ONDO STATE IN YEAR 2024 BUDGET.”
This letter specifically sought the inclusion of a N1 billion allocation for the design of a dual carriageway between Ore to Ondo and Ondo to Akure under the Federal Ministry of Works.
These concrete legislative actions and persistent advocacy led to the successful inclusion of the project in the 2024 Appropriation Act under the code ERGP202460004, securing an initial allocation of N250,000,000 for the project.
Senator Adegbonmire then embarked on the second leg of his strategy by lobbying for the second leg of his strategy by lobbying for the funding of the project through a special intervention fund. These steps have now resulted in what we indigenes of Ondo State now all celebrate.
It is, therefore, misleading and unfair for Hon. Makinde to claim sole credit for the project. Legislative success is rarely the work of one individual. It requires collaboration, negotiation, and the strategic involvement of multiple lawmakers. If the original motion from the 9th Assembly was sufficient, why did the project not commence then? The reality is that it took renewed legislative effort, strategic lobbying, and direct engagement with decision-makers in the 10th Assembly to secure funding and push for its execution.
A relevant example is the upgrade of Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education. The bill was first sponsored by Hon. Iranola Akinlaja, a former House of Representatives member representing Ondo East and West Federal Constituency. The bill, however, didn’t receive the assent of the president before the end of the term of Honourable Akinlaja. It was only when Hon. Makinde reintroduced and championed it in the 9th Assembly that it succeeded.
Senator Adegbonmire is not interested in engaging in a battle over credit. His focus remains on delivering effective representation and ensuring that the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District benefit from meaningful infrastructure and development. However, it is important that history records events accurately. The dualization of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road was achieved through collective effort, and it is improper for anyone to distort the facts for personal political gain.
We wholeheartedly extend our appreciation to:
The President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for approving for the project to be funded through a special Intervention Fund.
The President of the Senate, His Excellency Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON for his unwavering support for the project.
The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his support and encouragement.
The Minister of Works, His Excellency Senator David Nweze Umahi, CON for his belief in the project and other key stakeholders whose efforts led to the actualization of this project
We urge Hon. Makinde to focus on his legislative responsibilities and the needs of his constituents, rather than seeking undue recognition for a project that only materialized through the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders. Let us respect the process, acknowledge contributions fairly, and remain committed to service over self-interest.
Signed,
Hon. Bolarinde Akinloye
Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN