The Ondo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the state’s leadership, noting that Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s handling of national politics over the past 10 months has been disappointing.
In a statement by the party’s Public Relations Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the PDP lamented that Ondo State residents were unlucky with Ayedatiwa becoming governor.
They argued that economic activity in the state is at an all-time low because of his failure to boost the local economy.
Opposition parties also criticized the governor, saying the amount approved for projects such as the construction of a new lieutenant governor’s quarters and road maintenance was excessive.
The PDP statement reads: The verdict was a huge failure.
“On July 22, 2024, over P35 billion was approved for asphalt covering of roads in four Akoko local government areas of the state: Ose, Owo, Ilaje, Idanre, Ondo and Akure. Three months later, roads remains in the same condition as before the contract was signed.
“A sum of ₦217,881,308.00 has also been approved for the renovation of the Lieutenant Governor’s Lodge. It will be delivered in 12 weeks from July 22, 2024.
“Since the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayde Adelami, has maintained and managed the royal presidential suite at the Royal Birds Hotel & Towers, Alagbaka, Akure State, along with his subordinate staff, he has borne all expenses. It’s a known fact. With taxpayers’ money.
“The money wasted on hotel accommodation for the lieutenant governor could have been enough to renovate the official residence.
“Is there anyone who still doubts that we should show this set of leaders the way out of the Governor’s Office by November 16th?” I am not referring to the people of Ondo State, I am referring to their very narrow personal interests. ”
In response, Mr. Steve Otaroro, Media and Publicity Secretary, Ondo branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the PDP’s claims as false.
Mr Otaroro maintained that the PDP’s criticism was a desperate attempt to tarnish the image of the Ayedatiwa administration ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election.
“The 12-year reign of the PDP in Ondo State has not yielded any tangible results and in the inability to present a credible alternative to Governor Ayedatiwa’s achievements, we have had to resort to slander and lies.
“The lack of human resources within the PDP membership is evident in their day-to-day organizational capabilities and strategies.Instead of running issue-based campaigns, they have become aggressive bulldogs. .
“We refuse to continue to defend their futile efforts to smear us.”
