Popular Nigerian comedian and activist, Debo Adedayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, has criticized Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the hardship caused by repairs on the Independence Bridge.
Governor Sanwo-Olu recently visited the site of the bridge repairs and apologized to residents for the heavy traffic caused by the construction work.
He urged Lagosians to be patient, explaining that the bridge, which is over 80 years old, needed repairs to ensure public safety.
“Let’s think outside the box. If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the next 2 to 3 weeks, conduct your business online and plan ahead,” he added.
He also advised people who do not have urgent business in Victoria Island to work remotely for the next two to three weeks.
However, Mr Macaroni was not pleased with the Governor’s response. He pointed out that the severe traffic situation showed that the government had not properly considered the well-being of its citizens before starting the repairs.
“If the government had any regard whatsoever for the people of Lagos, these measures and more extensive ones would have been taken before yesterday to make this process as painless as possible for the people.
“There should have been adequate planning including a reasonable timeline for execution and proper information dissemination which would have prevented to some extent the unbearable hardship the people have to endure. This has happened only because this Government has no sense of responsibility to the people!
“If The federal and state government cannot successfully collaborate on projects like these despite belonging to the same party, then it only confirms what we have always known about the quality of leadership,” he wrote on his 𝕏 handle.
In another tweet, Mr Macaroni emphasized that Lagosians are not being done a favor by the government.
He argued that the people of Lagos pay for the Governor’s comfortable lifestyle, while they themselves struggle with daily hardships. He urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to treat Lagosians with respect, as they are the ones funding the state’s operations.
“The Governor is not doing anyone a favor by addressing the hardship Lagosians are facing. It is his responsibility!!!
“Most people have been conditioned to accept the barest minimum from Politicians and that is why there is zero accountability to the people.
“Sir Jide Sanwo-Olu, the people pay for your nice convoy, your security, accommodation and every other luxury your office affords you.
“All of these and many more make things very easy and enjoyable for you such that you never have to deal with the pain and hardship the people suffer. The least you can do is to serve them with utmost respect and total commitment! They don’t deserve anything less!!!” Macaroni added.
