PRESS RELEASE: *Ibadan explosion: No True Federalism in Nigeria- PDP Dep. Chair, Arapaja ... Leads Govt Delegation to Sympathize With Halleluyah, Other Victims*

The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has lamented that the system of government in Nigeria does not reflect Federalism in the true sense of the word. He therefore called on the Federal Government to make necessary adjustment that will pave way for the state governments to have legitimate control over salient matters that border on effective running of their respective states.

Ambassador Arapaja stated this while reacting to the explosion that rocked parts of Ibadan city last week Tuesday shortly after he led the powerful delegation to the scene located at Adeyi Oyelese area, old Bodija Ibadan on Sunday afternoon to sympathize with the victims including a member of the Governor's Advisory Council in the State, Senator Hosea Agboola Hallelujah.

Ambassador Arapaja who was short of words with the magnitude of destruction caused by the incidence, blamed the federal government for allowing foreigners to come and exploit the country at the expense of the state government.

His words: "to me it is the federal government that caused the whole problem because there is no true federalism in the country and this can only happen in a country where there is no adherence of law and order. I don't understand why a governor will not have a say in what is happening in his state and the foreigners will come here and exploit us without any approval by the sitting governor. 

Even on the issue of security in the state, the police will first have to receive directive from Abuja before it could act. Arapaja opined that issues bothering on Mineral Resources, Police and some others that have to do with the grassroot be moved from the exclusive to the concurrent list and also call for a need of state police who will take approval from the state governor.

Amb. Arapaja described the incidence which affected over forty houses and part of the state Secretariat as pathetic and devastating. He however commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt and immediate provision of succour to the victims of the explosion, stressing that the degree of Governor's prompt response is very rare among Nigerian leaders.

He enjoined residents across Oyo State to be always vigilant , and report any strange or suspicious occurrences they notice in their community in order to avert re-occurrence of the ugly incidence in the State.

Other government delegation with Amb. Arapaja at the scene are Governor Makinde's ally, Otunba Seye Famojuro, Commissioners for Works and Transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Akin Funmilayo, Local Government and Chieftaincy, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, Hon. Babatunde Tijani (Double T.), ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, Hon. Akanbi Waheed Adeniyi (Biro), Hon. Kamoru Mudasiru, Hon. Seun Olufade, Hon. Sunday Babatunde - Secretary Ibadan South East Local Government, Alhaji Abass Oloko, Mr. Sulaimon Adeshina Ib. SE PDP Chairman, Hon. Taofeek Oladejo, Oyo State PDP assistant youth leader, and others.

*Bamitale Ibrahim*

Personal Assistant to the Deputy National chairman (South ) Peoples Democratic Party.

21st January, 2024.