Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for appointing 344 new aides.
Aiyedatiwa had on Friday, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced the appointments of 344 people as Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants.
But the PDP Campaign Organisation’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ayo Fadaka, in a statement on Sunday, condemned the action of the governor, describing it as ridiculous, adding that the appointments would cost the state N1.2 billion monthly.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa continues to remain a pitiable sight as the helmsman of our state, his acclaimed rudderlessness and incompetence are consistently impressed on our psyche as he misses no such opportunity to prove it.
“The appointment on Friday of 344 aides is a ridiculous action of a governor who is at sea over choices to make for the advancement of our state, confused largely over what should extend the frontiers of our development but chose to prosecute petty partisanship desires at the expense of good governance, thus again confirming his unsuitability for the governorship seat he currently occupies, which he consistently uses to retard our quest for economic and societal growth.
“To appoint 344 aides, with no specific governmental responsibilities and defined functions is criminal, particularly when due cognisance is taken of the fact that their remuneration per month is going to cost the government about N1.2bn. In fact, the number and resources to be expended on them are enough to begin a new ministry.
“We declare that it is ridiculous and wrong for Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appoint APC ward canvassers as senior special assistants and special assistants, Ondo State has never been this unlucky,” Fadaka said.
But in a swift reaction, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, defended Aiyedatiwa’s actions, describing the appointments as a strategic move to drive development and progress in Ondo State.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s recent appointments are a fulfillment of his earlier promise to engage more people in running his government, adding value to governance, and strengthening our democracy.
“These appointments are not superfluous, as claimed by the PDP, but rather a strategic move to harness the expertise and skills of Ondo State indigenes to drive development and progress.
“Furthermore, we want to remind the PDP that governance is not a solo affair, but a collective responsibility that requires the input of diverse stakeholders. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s appointments are a testament to his commitment to inclusive governance and his desire to tap into the vast human resources available in Ondo State.
“These allegations against Governor Aiyedatiwa are false, with political undertones targeted solely at the November 16 governorship election. We urge the good people of Ondo State to discern the truth and see through the PDP’s desperate attempts to discredit our performing governor,” Okamoto said.
