APC kicks as PDP alleges Aiyedatiwa abandoned Akeredolu’s projects
The Ondo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of neglecting all the unfinished projects left by his predecessor, the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP expressed this allegation in a statement released by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Leye Igbabo, on Sunday.
The opposition party asserted that it firmly believes the governor is trying to undermine Akeredolu’s legacy in the state.
In response, Mr. Steve Otaloro, the state Director of Media and Publicity for the All Progressives Congress, dismissed the accusation as unfounded, claiming that Aiyedatiwa is actively working to complete the projects.
Aiyedatiwa assumed office after Akeredolu passed away on December 27, 2023, following a prolonged period of political maneuvering and conflicts sparked by the former governor's illness.
He subsequently secured the governorship ticket for the party and won the election held on November 16, 2024.
In its statement on Sunday, the PDP expressed concern over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s reluctance and inability to finish the ongoing projects initiated by his benefactor and predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The party pointed out that evidence suggests Governor Aiyedatiwa is unwilling to proceed with the projects, motivated by a desire to ruin his predecessor’s legacy out of political revenge against Akeredolu and his allies, who purportedly did everything possible to prevent Aiyedatiwa from taking office during the late governor's illness and even following his eventual death.
Reports indicate that Aiyedatiwa has claimed authority as the executive governor to halt any projects that do not interest him, suggesting that those who benefitted from the projects, either financially or materially, should seek alternative funding to complete them.
The PDP claims to have ample reasons to strongly suspect that the allegations regarding an intention to abandon and dismantle his predecessor’s legacy are likely true.
This conclusion is drawn from the observation that a governor with significant resources at his disposal would be hesitating to merely finalize projects left by his predecessor when the government should be seen as a continuous entity, the PDP stated.
In reply, the APC media director rebutted the PDP’s claims.
“It is clear that the PDP is engaging in a desperate effort to regain significance by concocting baseless assertions,” he remarked.
“Following our party’s successful governorship election, the PDP has positioned itself as a vocal adversary, appearing more focused on sowing discord than providing constructive feedback,” he added.
The media director emphasized, “While we usually avoid entering the blame game with opposition parties, it has become essential to set the record straight for the public, who have the right to be informed about the misleading narratives of the PDP.
“We want to clarify that all projects initiated during the previous administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu are receiving the necessary attention.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa considers the previous administration as an extension of his own, having served as deputy governor at that time.
Thus, it is illogical for the PDP to claim that Governor Aiyedatiwa would jeopardize the legacy he helped create by neglecting ongoing projects.”
He highlighted road initiatives and infrastructure projects, including the Oda Road (in Akure) and its extensions, which were begun by the late Governor Akeredolu.
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