The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns about the recent procurement of tractors by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, urging the public, particularly farmers, to scrutinize the government’s intentions.
In a statement issued by Chief Kola Olabisi, Director of Media and Information for the APC, the party criticized the state government’s handling of the tractor procurement and cautioned against being misled.
“Some days ago, the Osun public was startled by the unusual display of 31 tractors along some streets in Osogbo, the state capital. This occurred a month after the governor, through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, had announced that 72 out of 114 such tractors were already in state custody.
“Two of the tractors experienced a forced stopover in the Igbona area of Osogbo, reportedly due to mechanical issues with the newly procured equipment.
“The unnecessary road show conducted by Governor Adeleke with the tractors has only heightened suspicions that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration may be engaging in deceptive practices regarding the tractor procurement.
“Governor Adeleke should apologize to the people of Osun for misleading them about the number of tractors received. It is troubling to see that only 31 tractors were unveiled, contrary to the earlier claim of 72 made by the governor and his associates. This discrepancy not only undermines public trust but also diminishes the respect for the governor’s office.
“Moreover, the revelation that farmers must wait for ‘all necessary administrative procedures’ before receiving the tractors has further fueled skepticism. There is growing concern that the tractors might not have been purchased as claimed but rather that the state government facilitated a transaction requiring farmers to buy them on a hire-purchase or installment basis.
“The APC calls for clarification from the state government, particularly in light of the 2024 budget allocation of N3.7 billion for agriculture. Questions that need addressing include:
1. Is it true that each tractor, with full implements, cost N70 million, totaling N8 billion for 114 tractors?
2. If not, what is the actual cost per tractor (with full implements)?
3. How many tractors were ordered by the state government?
4. How many tractors have been fully paid for?
5. How many tractors have been received and are currently in the state’s custody?
6. When will the state take full possession of the remaining tractors?
7. What are the brand name and specifications of the tractors?
8. Who are the suppliers of the tractors?
9. When will the tractors be distributed to farmers, cooperative associations, or agricultural agencies in the state?
10. Are the tractors being provided to farmers on a rent, hire-purchase, or other financing plan?
“The Osun State Government must address the growing rumors that the tractors were merely hired for show and that substandard equipment might be imposed on farmers at inflated prices. We hope that this situation does not mirror the earlier incident with Racer Daewoo cars that vanished post-election.”
