…They’re crying wolf – Govt Source

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Public servants in Ondo State have expressed deep concern over alleged reckless spending of government funds within the last one month after the death of the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu to fan the political ambition of governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The group, known as Concerned Ondo Public Servants (COPS), alleged of conversation of state resources towards political activities to support the gubernatorial ambition of the state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement in Akure, the state capital, the public servants, lamented the insensitive distribution of government funds to party members, particularly during the recent stakeholders’ meeting held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure.

They alleged each of the party members who attended the last stakeholders meeting personally called by governor Aiyedatiwa were given N100,000 on the order of the governor.

Their statement which was signed by their spokesperson, Segun Aderibigbe reads: “We have closely observed the events in our beloved state since the passing of our former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who demonstrated immense care and respect for Ondo State workers.

“Although he has departed this world, we take solace in the fact that he lived a purposeful life and left an indelible mark.

“However, since Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed leadership, the business of governance seems to have been reduced to serving political interests.

” Decisions and policies are now driven solely by political ambition and self-interest. We are deeply alarmed by the Governor’s spending habits and the manner in which state resources are being utilized.

“In particular, we are troubled by the sheer insensitivity displayed by promising monthly salary payments to party members from the grassroots to the state level.

” It is even more worrisome considering that the state has over N30 billion in unpaid gratuities.

“Furthermore, Governor Aiyedatiwa distributed N100,000 to each party member who attended the stakeholders’ meeting.

” With over 3,000 party members in attendance, this means that millions of our state’s resources have been spent solely to please party members in line with the Governor’s gubernatorial ambition.

“We are aware that there are monthly deductions from the salaries of political appointees, which are remitted to the party’s coffers.

“We believe that the amount generated from these deductions is sufficient to fund the party and its members.

“State resources, on the other hand, should be allocated to benefit the entire population and serve the public good, rather than the party and its members.

“In the past seven weeks alone, an astounding N17 billion has accrued to the state’s coffers.

“The level of financial recklessness unfolding in our state is unimaginable.

” Unless the people rise up and demand accountability, this mismanagement will persist throughout the year.

“It is largely driven by the upcoming gubernatorial election. Within this short period, we have witnessed an alarming withdrawal of government funds.

“Once again, we view the sharing of government funds to party members at the Dome as irresponsible and reckless.

Aderibigbe said that” We will not sit idly by and allow Governor Aiyedatiwa to exploit the resources of our beloved state for his political agenda. We will strongly oppose him.”

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, declined comments.

But another aide to the governor, denied reckless spending by him adding that the group was crying wolf where non existed.

The aide who spoke with Vanguard in confidence, said ” they’re just seeking relevance. It’s however true that money was given to those that attended the stakeholders meeting, but it was without the knowledge of the governor.