Abiodun’s performance shows gains from Tinubu’s subsidy removal, policy — Aide

Yomi Odunlami, a newly appointed consultant to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s petrol subsidy removal policy, arguing that the development strides recorded in Ogun State demonstrate the impact of increased resources channelled to state governments.

Odunlami spoke in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Saturday, after receiving his appointment letter from Governor Dapo Abiodun, describing the appointment as an honour and, more importantly, a responsibility to contribute more meaningfully to the development of Ogun State.

Odunlami commended Abiodun for what he described as prudent management of public resources and a deliberate effort to translate available funds into infrastructure, public services and improved welfare for residents.

According to him, the removal of the petrol subsidy has significantly altered the financial position of state governments by making more resources available for development.

He said, “Governor Dapo Abiodun has justified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s subsidy removal policy through what his administration has been able to achieve with the resources available to Ogun State.

“This is a clear demonstration that when public resources are responsibly and judiciously managed, difficult economic decisions can ultimately translate into meaningful development for the people.”

He said Abiodun’s administration had demonstrated that payment of salaries and pensions could go hand in hand with the execution of capital projects.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun has demonstrated that government does not have to choose between paying workers’ salaries and delivering infrastructure,” Odunlami said.

Odunlami’s reaction came amid reactions on social media trailing the governor’s claims about his administration’s performance.

During the week, Abiodun, at a political function in the state, claimed that he was the first governor to complete all the uncompleted projects inherited from his predecessor.

The governor also said that he and his fellow governors were in the best position to explain how the funds accruing from the removal of the petrol subsidy were spent, rather than the President.

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Since making the claims, the governor has come under intense scrutiny, with citizens challenging and countering his assertions.

On his appointment, Odunlami expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for the confidence reposed in him, saying the new role would enable him to expand his contributions from the local government level to the broader development agenda of Ogun State.

“I consider this appointment a privilege, but I also recognise it as a greater responsibility,” he said.

He pledged to bring professionalism, competence, diligence and loyalty to the assignment while remaining focused on initiatives capable of producing measurable impact across the state.

Odunlami also expressed confidence in the prospects of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, predicting what he described as an unprecedented victory for the party in Ogun State.

He further said, “Without mincing words, I am confident that the APC will record an unprecedented victory in Ogun State in 2027.”

According to him, the electorate would have the opportunity to compare the records of the competing political parties and candidates before making their choice, insisting that performance, competence and grassroots structures would work in favour of the APC.

He also pointed to Senator Adeola’s emergence as the APC candidate without opposition within the party as evidence, in his view, of the senator’s political strength and acceptance among party members and supporters across the state.

He assured them that his appointment would not weaken his commitment to grassroots development but would instead provide a wider platform to serve more people and contribute to the state’s progress.

“This appointment is a privilege and a responsibility. It is a platform to do better what we are already known for, to serve more people and to contribute meaningfully to the continued progress of Ogun State,” he said.