TrackaNG, Sen. Ajibola Basiru trade words over N400m Osun projects

Tracka NG, a community of active citizens tracking the
implementation of government projects in their community to ensure
service delivery, has drawn the ire of the Senator representing
Osun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Dr.
Ajibola Basiru.

Tracka, a project by BudgIT which was co-founded by Seun
Onigbinde, had tagged Senator Basiru to a series of projects
totaling N400m nominated in the senator’s senatorial district in
the 2019 budget, asking the people of Osun State to monitor the
execution and delivery.

As characteristic of Tracka NG which usually tags public
officials to tweets, the photograph of Senator Ajibola Basiru and
his twitter handle were tagged to the tweet.

Basiru, however, took exception to the tweet, stating that it
was wrong of Tracka NG to have tagged him, noting that the 2019
budget was passed before his inauguration as a senator.

Tracka NG took umbrage at the senator’s reponse.

See the tweets:

Dear Sen @DrSRJ_, N400m projects
was nominated in your senatorial district in the 2019 budget. We
encourage members of your constituents to follow up and monitor the
implementation of these projects. Public funds must work for the
people. #AskQuestions pic.twitter.com/jTIkKC6AZv^[1][2][3]

— Tracka.ng (@TrackaNG) September 20, 2019^[4]

I could not have nominated a project in 2019
budget when I’m inaugurated after the passage of the budget. You
don’t have to start scandalizing us to please your funders!!!
https://t.co/gssUTfMhvv^[5]

— Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru (@DrSRJ_) September 20, 2019^[6]

We never said you nominated a project. We
said these projects are in your senatorial district.

As an intellectual, your concluding point is so unfortunate.
https://t.co/UxnFdg6Nco^[7]

— Tracka.ng (@TrackaNG) September 20, 2019^[8]

Some social media followers of the former Attorney-General and
Commissioner for Justice in Osun State told him there was no harm
in the tweet, but he disagreed:

If it is about office then what is my
personal picture doing there? https://t.co/DclpY8PqU9^[9]

— Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru (@DrSRJ_) September 20, 2019^[10]

You read the message again. And the innuendo
contained therein. You are rather giving a new and unintended
meaning to the intended mischief of instigating constituents with
misinformation. https://t.co/rD6LhFefqH^[11]

— Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru (@DrSRJ_) September 20, 2019^[12]

You may read their message again so you will
detect the mischief. They are not asking me to monitor but calling
on constituents whereas the project is not yet cash backed or
awarded. Budgeting is different from implementing and they should
know. https://t.co/1Dn3WrD8VB^[13]

— Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru (@DrSRJ_) September 20, 2019^[14]

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Military Reassures Gajiram Community of Safety at Jumuat
Service

Following reports of terrorists plan to attack /invade Gajiram
town, conduct inductrinatory preaching before observing the Friday
congregational prayers today, many locals of Gajiram became
apprehensive and reluctant to attend Jumuat service in the
mosque.

On receipt of the information/report, the Commander Sector 3,
Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD)/Multi-National Joint Task Force
(MNJTF), Major-General AB Biu, directed his Artillery Brigade,
Brigadier commander-Brig Gen JAL Jimoh, to move to Gajiram and
reassure residents of the town of Army’s readiness to protect them
and their properties in Gajigaram and its surrounding areas.

While in the community (Gajiram), Brig Gen Jimoh, further urged
them to go about their normal activities and legitimate businesses
peacefully, without any fear.

Consequently, there was large turn-out of the residents for the
Jumuat prayer with Brig Gen JAL Jimoh, and other Muslim officers
and soldiers in attendance. Including the Commander of the Chadian
troops under the MNJTF.

The prayers was hitch-free. Brig Gen Jimoh through a Kanuri
interpreter addressed the people, reassured them of their safety.
He solicited for the support and cooperation of the community by
providing credible information on the movements and activities of
the fleeing criminals hibernating in the area.

At the moment, security situation in Gajiram is fully under
control, while military patrols have also been intensified.

Further plan to project the joint forces is already under way,
with the troops morale and fighting spirit very high occasioned by
the latest successes against the BH/ISWAP criminals and marauders
among other reasons.

ADO ISA
Colonel
Deputy Director Army Public Relations
20 September 2019