Conflict between high-level appointees often seem from weak governance, issues like corruption, poor remuneration, clash of interest among others give serious minded opposition to launch attack on the ruling government but unfortunately, opposition in Nigeria is at the final stage of funeral.
The viral video of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa aide on Multi-Media, Taiwo Gbamila has generated a lot of reactions, where he was seen accusing the Honourable Commissioner for Infrastructure, Land and Housing, Engr Abiola Ayorinde Olawoye FNSE, FNICE and Commissioner for Finance, Wunmi Isaac of suppressing and gagging the Governor’s Media Team.
This piece is not about Finance Commissioner but to clarify Engr Abiola Olawoye relationship with the Media in the State. Gbamila, a cool headed journalist outburst is just an outcome of a pile up FRUSTRATIONS experienced while trying to do the Job he has been appointed to do.
Gbamila, an insider in the Alagbaka Corridor of Power has access to information as regard the withholding of funds meant for Governor’s Media Team to function, and pointing accusing fingers to individuals he believes are frustrating his team, the SSA is probably speaking the mind of many appointees who are suffering in silence.
I have been following Engr Olawoye since he was appointed SSA on Infrastructure and later SA and now Commissioner in charge of Ministry of Infrastructure, Land and Housing, his relationship with the contractors, Staff of the Ministry, Media and people seeking assistance have been superb. He is an OMOLUWABI to the core.
In the history of the Ministry, one commissioner that is easily accessible is the Ondo Born Engineer whose doors are open to visitors. I belong to the private sector of the media, Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers, as the State Secretary of the Association, our members on several occasions enjoyed robust relationships with the man that is ready at all time to listen, showcase the activities of the ministry and the giant strides so far recorded in infrastructure under Governor Aiyedatiwa’ s administration.
Olawoye’ s personal media team is not only friendly but ready to provide needed information and data as regard the activities of the ministry.
While watching the less than 13 minutes video of Gbamila on his Facebook page, the body language and use of words by the Governor’s SSA is more of frustration by the people who should ordinarily oil their palms for optimal performance. On withholding of funds, Olawoye is not the Finance Commissioner and his anger should be directed to the right channel of which he has done in the video.
Why Olawoye was accusing the Governor’s MEDIA TEAM of under reporting the ministry activities, Gbamila on the other hand was accusing the Commissioner of denying them access to project sites for coverage and deliberately shunning scheduled meeting with him. Inspite of the back and forth of the appointees, they share the same goal, projecting the achievements of the governor.
Gbamila is Governor Aiyedatiwa’s kinsman and appointee, what he said in the video is also maligning the personality of the governor directly or indirectly, of which Newspapers headlines better captured.
The SSA has vented his anger and point made, the video has further shown that, all is not well with the Governor’s men as many are suffering in silence; Mr Governor must call his men to order since both are trying to impress him of what they are doing in their respective positions.
This is no doubt a clash of interest and Mr Governor must urgently address the issue of ‘Madame Commissioner’ withholding operational Funds and running grants of not only the Governor’s Media Team but also many ministries and agencies that are dying in silence.
Engr Abiola Ayorinde Olawoye is a complete gentleman, highly intelligent Engineer capable of delivering on the Governor’s OUR EASE Agenda. His capability while serving as SSA on Infrastructure promoted him to SA and now Commissioner, no serious minded Governor that meant well for the State will leave competence for party’s patronage or otherwise.
Saying where is Engr Olawoye during the struggle and electioneering campaign is one thing I disagree with. How many people that contributed to the victory of Governor Aiyedatiwa election can Gbamila mention? The Victory of Governor Aiyedatiwa goes beyond dancing at the campaign grounds, a lot of people contributed underground and when such persons are compensated, you start hearing, where were they when we were struggling and campaigning?
A lot of people in the government of President Tinubu today were harsh critiques of the President but placing competence above mediocrity, he appointed them into his government.
I believe Governor Aiyedatiwa has no regret appointing Engr Olawoye as the Commissioner heading the Ministry of Infrastructure, Land and Housing; weather on recommendation or self- discovering, Ondo State is experiencing first class infrastructure development across the three Senatorial Districts, kudos to Olawoye competence.
If Taiwo Gbamila has any axe to grind with Engr Abiola Olawoye, he should resolve it amicably with him since both are members of the same political family and Appointees of the Governor. Ondo State people need more videos of development in the State and not videos of I WILL SLAP YOU.
Dupson Collins writes From Akure
