A socio-political group, the Ondo Elites Assembly (OEA) has lambasted the state governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, for being deceptive on government activities, diminishing the legacies and achievements of his late boss, Rotimi Akeredolu through lies and propaganda.
The group who stated this while reacting to reports that Aiyedatiwa has approved the payment of January 2017 salary arrears and the alleged “hidden money” that is now being utilised by his administration, said there is no need for mindless propaganda.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Yemi Oladiran, the group warned the governor against inciting the people of the state against late Akeredolu, who was his benefactor.
The group said:”There is no hidden money anywhere. The Akeredolu administration planted the seed that is now ripe for harvest. Aiyedatiwa, who is now reaping the benefits, is too deceptive to give credit to his late boss. It is the height of wickedness.
“The truth is that more funds have been allocated to the state by the Federal government than before. For instance, the Federal Government released N7 billion intended to clear part of the outstanding dues to contractors.
However, the then acting governor, now the governor, Aiyedatiwa, halted the payments midway through the process. The money remains in the state coffers.
“Another N7 billion was also released by the Federal Government in December while Mr. Aiyedatiwa held the position of acting governor. This was followed by an additional N9billion paid in this new year. These releases were approved by the Federal Government months ago.
“Pensioners’ palliative has been paid monthly since inception, and the pensioners can attest to this. It was approved, along with other palliatives, by the late former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the funds were made available as well.
“Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, like other institutions, receives its monthly subvention from the state government whenever salaries are being paid. Also, a monthly release of N200 million for gratuity has been in place since the Akeredolu administration began.
“The judgment debt owed to the local governments was approved by the late former governor and the funds were released for payment early December, 2023.
“It is also important to note that the previous administration had been setting aside funds each month to address the outstanding January 2017 salary arrears.
“The Labour Leaders can testify that it was agreed at their last meet held in December that the outstanding January 2017 will be paid this month.
“Equally, the payment of outstanding salaries owed to former political office holders was approved, part of which was already disbursed in November, 2023.
“Please be aware that the salary was approved and payment was made with their alleged “forged signature”. People should not be deceived by the blatant lies being spread around. The so-called hidden money is simply the funds that entered the state treasury just recently”
The group maintained that “This deceptive approach by Aiyedatiwa is both irresponsible and mindless. Moreover, he is the first intolerant person to hold the position of Governor in Ondo State. Opposition views are met with threats and abusive language.
“Those responsible for managing his image are inept at operating within a democratic framework. They continue to conceal their inadequacies by displaying unfounded arrogance to the people of Ondo State.
“They have consistently referred to the people of the state as ‘senseless,’ ‘useless,’ ‘brainless,’ and other derogatory terms. However, this time shall pass”
However, one of the aides of the governor who denied the allegations, said the governor was not out to diminish or rubbish the legacies and achievement of his benefactor.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the aide said that state governor would not be distracted by the unfounded allegation.
According to him ” how on earth would the governor diminish the legacies and achievement of his benefactor, It’s unthinkable.
” The faceless group should find something profitable to do and stop raising baseless allegation. Governor Aiyedatiwa would not be distracted.
” He has laid his hands on the plough and there’s no looking back in building on the legacies of his late boss.
According to him” governor Aiyedatiwa has said severally that he would complete all the ongoing projects initiated by the Akeredolu administration in which he was path and parcel. So the talk about diminishing his legacies and achievements is idle talk.”
