Tracka NG, Senator 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:

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:

Tracka.ng@TrackaNG

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

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5:23 AM - Sep 20, 2019

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Tracka.ng@TrackaNG

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://twitter.com/DrSRJ_/status/1175067059203563526 …

Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru@DrSRJ_

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://twitter.com/trackang/status/1174901890569555968 …

24

4:31 PM - Sep 20, 2019

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Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru@DrSRJ_

If it is about office then what is my personal picture doing there? https://twitter.com/taiwoisaacabiod/status/1175067262446907394 …

Baba Abbey@TAIWOISAACABIOD

Replying to @TrackaNG and 10 others

Is that senatoria office not same; in respective of the person occupying it

5

4:26 PM - Sep 20, 2019 · Camden Town, London

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Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru@DrSRJ_

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://twitter.com/tola_ogunleye/status/1175071146947076097 …

“Dis Basket Mouth”@Tola_Ogunleye

Replying to @DrSRJ_

You're not being scandalised sir. They didn't accuse u oficina nominating. They only request that you being a rep of your constituents should help monitor the and follow up. It's still in order.

2

4:47 PM - Sep 20, 2019 · Camden Town, London

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Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru@DrSRJ_

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://twitter.com/ayoshegs/status/1175075213412880385 …

Akinrinola@AyoShegs

With due respect sir it will do no harm if u request for the projects nominated and follow it up as it was nominated for the good of ur constituency. the senator who nominated these projects is no longer in a position to say anything abt it but u can sir. God bless you sir https://twitter.com/DrSRJ_/status/1175067059203563526 …

5

4:56 PM - Sep 20, 2019 · London, England

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