• Warns Against Attempt to Smear the Adebayos, AbdulRazaq’s Administration
The Progressive Youth Forum under the auspices of Afenifere has debunked a recent report alleging that the Oke-Onigbin Road project awarded to TAHL Engineering Limited, owned by Mr Cornelius Adebayo, remains incomplete.
In a statement signed by Comrade Funsho Dare, an Afenifere chieftain, the group described the report credited to one Tejumola Olusegun Orilemola, who identified himself as the Convener of the Society for Sustainable Governance, as misleading, ill-timed, and politically motivated.
According to the statement, the group found it suspicious that such an allegation surfaced shortly after the funeral of the late sage, Pa Cornelius Adebayo, a respected statesman whose burial was well attended and supported by the Kwara State Government.
“We wonder why this issue is being raised now, especially after the burial of the late sage who was revered by many. It is unfortunate that such a moment of reflection and unity is being turned into an avenue to create division,” the statement read.
The Forum emphasized that the Oke-Onigbin Road project was executed through direct labour and has been fully completed, contrary to claims of abandonment. It added that TAHL Engineering Ltd. did not handle any formal contract involving bidding or award letters, as alleged.
“For a project to qualify as a contract, there must be a formal bidding process, advertisement, and an award letter, followed by an acceptance letter. None of these existed in this case. The project was a direct labour initiative and has since been completed,” the statement clarified.
The group further accused Orilemola’s organization of failing to verify its facts with the Ministry of Works, describing the publication as an attempt to sow discord between the Adebayo family and the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration.
“It is the responsibility of well-meaning citizens to support Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s transformational leadership, not to spread unfounded allegations that can breed disunity,” the statement added.
While commending the state government for its ongoing development strides, the Forum also condemned what it described as the “hullabaloo demonstrated by a cleric” during Pa Adebayo’s funeral service, stating that the solemn event should not have been turned into an avenue to settle scores or to embarrass the family and political associates of the late sage.
The Forum reaffirmed the loyalty of Mr Cornelius Adebayo and Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their commitment to promoting the success of the AbdulRazaq-led government at all levels.
In conclusion, the group expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Deputy Senate Leader Architect Ashiru, Senator Sadiq Umar, and Rt. Hon. Danladi Yakubu-Salisu, among other government officials, for their demonstration of leadership, love, and perseverance.
“Long live the Government of Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq! Long live Kwara State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
Signed:
Comrade Funsho Dare
Afenifere Chieftain, for Progressive Youth Forum
