THE Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of mismanaging the state’s resources.
The party, in a statement by PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Petetei, criticized the allocation of funds for projects that have yet to materialize.
“On July 22, 2024, over N35 billion was approved for the asphalt overlay of roads in four Akoko Local Government Areas, Ose, Owo, Ilaje, Idanre, Ondo, and Akure axes of the state. Three months later, the roads remain unchanged since the contract awards,” Petetei stated.
He alleged that the large sums allocated for these road projects may have been diverted, as contractors claim they haven’t been paid and are not on-site.
“Can Ondo State really be considered fortunate under such governance?” he questioned.
Petetei also pointed to the renovation of the Deputy Governor’s official residence, noting that N217,881,308.00 was approved for the project, which was expected to be completed within 12 weeks, starting from July 22, 2024.
“It is well-known that since taking office, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has stayed in the luxury Presidential Suites at Royal Birds Hotel & Towers, Alagbaka, Akure, with his staff, all funded by taxpayers. The money spent on hotel accommodation could have covered the cost of renovating his official residence,” he added.
He argued that in 10 months, the Aiyedatiwa administration has failed to deliver results and should not be given another chance to govern the state.
In response, the Director of Media and Publicity for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims as inaccurate, speculative, and misleading.
Otaloro asserted that during its 12 years in power, the PDP achieved little in the state and now resorts to baseless attacks because it cannot present a viable alternative to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s accomplishments.
“The PDP’s 12-year rule in Ondo State produced no significant results. In contrast, Governor Aiyedatiwa has made considerable progress across multiple sectors,” he said.
Otaloro highlighted Aiyedatiwa’s achievements, including a N3.5 billion investment in school renovations, road upgrades, improved healthcare services, and support for small businesses.
He added that the governor deserves another term to continue advancing the state’s development.