The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state are at loggerheads over the votes of confidence passed on the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, by members of the State Executive.
While the PDP described the vote of confidence passed on the governor as meaningless, stating that the state has been without direction and may hit a dangerous cliff at any moment.
The APC in the state expressed disappointment with the uninformed criticism and negative vibes from the PDP regarding the government projects and positions of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, asserting that they are baseless.
The PDP, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, lambasted the State Executive for making a mockery of the system, instead of discharging their duties and responsibilities to the state.
Peretei stated that the action of the State Executive is unnecessary, saying what is playing out in Akeredolu’s government is akin to dancing naked at the market square, expressing concern over the sorry state of the sunshine state.
He noted that this might not be unconnected with the reasons two members of the State Executive distanced themselves from the communique.
Peretei also frowned upon the activities of Akeredolu’s family, who are not elected by the people of the state but are performing roles of the governor.
According to him, the prolonged absence of Governor Akeredolu from the state has created a governance vacuum, which has impeded the effective administration of the state.
The PDP statement read: “Keen watchers of Ondo State politics may have been wondering how the state arrived at this sorry state of affairs. Where the ship of the state is just floating on the high sea, no captain, no direction and about to hit a dangerous cliff anytime soon.
“While concerned opinion leaders in the state are still in the process of proffering solutions to the present political logjam, the State Executive Committee came up with a meaningless communique passing a vote of confidence on their boss whose whereabouts have been unknown for more than 65 days.
“As if to shred whatever was remaining of the Akeredolu administration, two State Commissioners ridiculed the purported communique as ‘senseless’ and ‘of no effect.’
“Last week, Babajide Akeredolu, the Governor’s heir apparent, was seen in the Oke-Ijebu area of Akure, inspecting government projects with the full complement of the Governor’s convoy and security apparatus.
“Things have never been this bad in Ondo State. Who voted for Babajide as Governor, or his mother, Betty, both of whom have held the state by its jugular?
“Now that the State Executive Committee has decided to come and dance in the marketplace naked, it is clear the days of this government are numbered.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter wishes to advise Akeredolu’s appointees to be honorable in the discharge of their responsibilities instead of making a mockery of themselves in the eyes of the people.”
But the Publicity Director of APC in the state, Steve Otaloro, maintained that “the latest criticism from the PDP regarding the State Executive Council’s resolution on Governor Akeredolu’s government is yet another example of baseless attacks.
He also hailed members of the State Executive for their resolution and commended Akeredolu for his commitment to good governance, integrity, and his exemplary leadership, which has consistently motivated and inspired the council members to fulfill their duties to the state.
Otaloro said, “The State Executive Council went on to highlight Governor Akeredolu’s leadership qualities, including his compassion, vision, commitment to development, progress, and the peaceful atmosphere in the state. This innocuous statement of appreciation was twisted by the PDP, who deemed it a meaningless communique that passed a vote of confidence on the Governor.
“It is important to note that the communique was supported by the majority of the cabinet members, with only two members abstaining from signing.
“The democratic principle of majority decision-making was upheld, allowing both the majority and minority views to be acknowledged.
“We are pleased that even the PDP acknowledged the Director-General of Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, PPIMU), Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, inspecting ongoing projects in the state capital, debunking their earlier claims that no projects were being executed.
“The inspection of government projects is a crucial aspect of ensuring diligent and timely delivery of contracts. It is commendable that the political leadership in the state is actively involved in monitoring these projects for the benefit of the people.
He maintained that “as the ruling political party in Ondo State, we commend the State Executive Council for their uprightness, transparency, and openness in their resolution.
“We fully align with their thoughts on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, who deserves commendation for his dedication to bringing dividends of democracy to the people.
“We validate the State Executive Council’s resolution and pass an overwhelming vote of confidence on Governor Akeredolu and his cabinet members on behalf of the good people of Ondo State.
“We appreciate their tireless efforts in working for the overall good and interest of the state.”
