UCH power outage: APGA warns Makinde against playing politics with people’s lives

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Oyo State chapter, has called on the Oyo State Government to take immediate action to resolve the power outage crisis at the University College Hospital (UCH).

The party said rather than playing politics with people’s lives and health, the Oyo State Government must rise to the challenge and provide the necessary support to UCH during this difficult time.

The state chairman of the party, Adeniyi Oluwagbemiga and Hon. Salami Gbolagbade, State Secretary, made the call during a courtesy visit to the office of a former South/West Chairman and Party’s Board of Trustees, Deacon Samson Olalere, in Ibadan.

The party leaders said the recent power outage at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan had raised serious concerns about the Oyo State Government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

The APGA leaders urged the state government to provide temporary financial assistance to UCH to settle its debt with IBEDC, adding that the state must work with the Federal Government to find a long-term solution to the hospital’s power supply challenges.

They also urged the state government to prioritise the health and well-being of citizens, pointing out that the importance of UCH’s services to the people of Oyo State must be recognised.

The leaders said: ”The hospital, which is a federal institution, has been without electricity since October 2024 due to an unpaid debt of N283m to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. As we ponder the implications of this crisis, we must ask ourselves: what is the true value of governance if not to protect and serve the people?

“We believe that this is a matter of utmost importance that requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

“The Oyo State Government’s decision to distance itself from this crisis, citing the hospital’s federal ownership, is not only disappointing but also misguided.

In reality, the state government has a history of collaborating with federal institutions to provide support and assistance. For instance, the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are federal agencies that receive support from the state government in terms of welfare and logistics.

“Moreover, the Oyo State Government has constructed and rehabilitated roads on behalf of the federal government, with the expectation of receiving a refund. So, why can’t the state government provide temporary assistance to UCH to resolve the power outage crisis?

“The answer lies in the realm of politics and priorities. However, we must not forget that the lives and health of Oyo State citizens are at stake. The majority of the beneficiaries of UCH’s services are indigenes of Oyo State, and it is imperative that the state government takes a proactive approach to address this crisis.

“Rather than playing politics with people’s lives and health, the Oyo State Government must rise to the challenge and provide the necessary support to UCH during this difficult time.
“We believe that this is a matter of utmost importance that requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

“Let’s work together to ensure that our citizens receive the best possible healthcare services, regardless of the institution’s ownership. The Oyo State Government must demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of its citizens by providing the necessary support to UCH.”