Makinde Blames Tinubu For Diesel-Powered Streetlights, Says Oyo Wouldn’t Use Generators If FG Provided Electricity
The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has blamed the Federal Government for the use of diesel-powered generators to operate streetlights across the state, saying Oyo would not have resorted to the measure if President Bola Tinubu’s administration had provided the electricity it promised.
Makinde stated this on Monday at the BOYE NATION/JAF Movement Concert held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, while responding to recent criticism from the opposition over the use of diesel generators to power streetlights in parts of the state.
The governor said the state had been compelled to seek alternative means of powering its streetlights because of inadequate electricity supply, arguing that states should not be blamed for taking steps to provide lighting and improve security when the national power supply remains unreliable.
He said if the Federal Government, led by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had fulfilled its promise of providing adequate electricity, Oyo State and other states would not have needed to spend money on diesel to keep their streetlights functioning.
Makinde said, “Their father, who is their leader, said there will be electricity supply throughout Nigeria in four years, and if he could not achieve that, Nigeria should not vote for him again.”
He added, “The one calling himself lawyer was never given a junior advocate, talk less of SAN.
The governor’s comment came amid criticism from the campaign organisation of APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, which had questioned the use of diesel-powered generators for streetlights and raised concerns about the cost and sustainability of the arrangement.
Makinde’s administration has previously defended the use of generators, saying unreliable electricity from the national grid necessitated the measure.
The state government has also said it is pursuing alternative energy solutions, including the development of solar power to support its electricity needs.