The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State chapter, has taken a swipe at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the ‘huge sum’ expended on the construction of the deputy governor’s lodge and the asphalt overlay of roads in some parts of the state.

According to the opposition party, three months after a sum of N35 billion was approved for asphalt overlay of roads in four Akoko Local Government Areas (LGAs): Ose, Owo, Ilaje, Idanre, Ondo, and Akure axes of the state, the project was yet to take off.

In a statement by its publicity secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the PDP also described as waste the continued stay of the deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, in a hotel with over N200 million approved for the renovation of the deputy governor’s lodge since July.

Peretei stressed that the economic activities of the state are on the lowest ebb due to what he described as the inability of the governor to stimulate the local economy of the state.

[ad

He said: “The people have beamed their searchlights on the 10 months of Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor; the verdict has been a resounding failure. On 22nd July 2024, more than N35B was approved for 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 are still in the same states they were before the contract awards.

“The sum of N217,881,308.00 was also approved for the renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge. To be delivered in 12 weeks, effective from July 22, 2024. It is common knowledge that, since assumption of office, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, maintains princely presidential suites at the Royal Birds Hotel & Towers, Alagbaka, Akure, with his retinue of staff, all expenses paid for with taxpayers’ money.

“The money wasted in hotel accommodation for the Deputy Governor would have been enough to renovate his official residence. Is there anybody who is still in doubt that this set of leaders should be shown the way out of Government House come November 16? When they say they are lucky, they do not mean the people of Ondo State, but their very narrow personal interests.

“All those little things that used to put money in the pockets of the common people have since dried up. Supply of office stationery, desilting of drainages, supply of school furniture, repair of government vehicles, and many more that used to benefit the people are no longer fashionable with this government.

READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa commits to Ondo border security

“Market women and artisans that used to have access to revolving loans, where their various associations stood as guarantors, are now only in the memories of the people.”

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) described the allegations as false, stating that the PDP was desperate to malign Aiyedatiwa and the ruling ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

“The PDP’s 12-year reign in Ondo State yielded no tangible results. Their inability to present a credible alternative to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievements has led them to resort to name-calling and lies.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has made significant strides in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment. The PDP’s constant attacks will not distract us from our commitment to the people.

“The lack of human resources within the PDP’s ranks is evident in their daily organisational ability and strategy. Instead of conducting an issue-based campaign, they have become an attacking bulldog. We refuse to continue defending against their meritless efforts to malign us.

“What Ondo State needs are smart decisions that benefit the people through policy decisions and programs. We should focus on progress, not political point-scoring. As a responsible opposition party, the PDP should commit to truth, equity, and balanced opinions in their analysis of the state’s development.

“Their false allegations only serve to spread lies and misinformation, fueled by an insatiable desire for power. We urge the public to discern the truth from the PDP’s fairytales and propaganda.”