Before now, one has been deeply perturbed by the unspecified number of people who lost their lives in one of the recent heavy downpour, which claimed over 25 lives at the Apete ‘suicidal’ bridge in Ibadan. It was a day of bad luck for the victims and their bereaved friends and family members. Let’s hope by September the record of human loss would become a thing of the past in this area.

Moreover, I will count it a privilege if I can have my way in engaging the Governor of the Oyo State, Mr. Isiaka Ajimobi, in a brotherly-to-fatherly talk on the state of security in parts of the state. If possible, will I remind our governor of the oath he sworn on security of lives of the Ibadan people, before he assumed that exalted office which he would constitutionally stay for the next four years. This is because I believe he pledged to secure the lives and property of citizens of the state. However, the story all along seems to be changing and what, on the other hand, appears to be playing out is a mere politics of negligence.

Much as I understand politics to be a dirty game, I don't believe security of lives should be toyed with and neglected as a major duty of a responsible and masses-friendly government. For example, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “The government's duty is to protect the lives of its citizens under the due process. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of persons.” To me, if observed, this serves as panacea to an ailing society like ours. Although the political achievements of Senator Ajimobi include reformation and beautifications in the state, what is also more critical at this point, and which I must rightfully state as my concern, is lack of political will and the void of security consciousness, which has bedeviled this same administration. It is important to note that a people’s governor must endeavour to do what is needful at a particular point in time. I believe, most times, when priorities are misplaced, it is always shameful. Yes!

The people of Apete area of Ibadan, before 2011, have earnestly been yearning for a responsive administration which would look into their movement rigours and plight on the Apete bridge, which its dilapidated state has continued to claim lives at different points in time during the rainy season, but the hope is always being shattered. I could recall that in less than a year of this administration, a portion of this make-shift bridge collapsed twice. The bridge, which is the only link between Apete and surrounding communities like Ijokodo, Sango, collapsed on August 26, 2011 during a heavy downpour. And I make bold to ask: Is this government not well-read enough to understand the havoc which a heavy downpour could wreak? And why has there not been proper action to safeguard the lives of citizens?

Just like the previous episodes experienced by the dwellers and road-users in the area, the dangerous and killer makeshift wooden bridge provided by executive governor Ajimobi for the pedestrians collapsed on June 28, just after a deluge, which covered some parts of Ibadan.

But before now, at some point, residents of the area have closely observed that the materials used in constructing the temporary bridge had gradually corroded. As a result, there had been much telephone calls and pressure being mounted on the state government, as far back as March 2012, to construct a solid bridge and replace the makeshift one. But, has there been any? Should we continue to live a 'makeshift life' while our own executives and their wards enjoy better and comfortable living? Why should we masses be exposed to the bad side of life when their wards and some members of their families don't stay with us here? Nothing is as shameful as closely watching a log enter one’s eyes. Government should not watch its citizens perish because of its costly mistakes. Come what may, whatever defence advanced, it is grossly inexcusable.

We all know, for obvious reasons the Mokola-Roundabout Fly-Over was constructed to ease the chaos of traffic on that road. Political campaign? Yes, of course. It would be glaring to the general public and be counted as one of the feats achieved by Governor Ajimobi. But it must be said once again that "what is sauce for the goose is likewise sauce for the gander," Political activities, undertakings and projects have to be balanced, even at the grassroots level, for the betterment of our society at large.

I sure know that the people of Ibadan are curiously watching these unfolding heinous, dangerous, perilous episodes. Will they certainly look before they leap?

Your Excellency’s kind gesture is being appreciated. May the industry continue to boom and experience God’s favour.

•Mayowa Okekale writes from Ibadan. Photo shows the Apete Make-shift Bridge.

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