Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, on Friday, criticised the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration, saying the government has lost its direction with the present condition of the state.
On Thursday, 33 out of 35 members of the State Executive Council passed a vote of confidence in Governor Akeredolu. But two other abstained.
PDP condemned the vote of confidence in the Governor, describing the development as a mockery of the State Executive Council.
Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Kennedy Peretei, stated this in a statement titled, ‘Akeredolu’s cabinet dances naked in the market square.’
The statement read, “Keen watchers of Ondo State politics may have been wondering how the state arrived at this sorry state of affairs. The ship of the state is just floating on the high sea with no captain and no direction, and it is about to hit a dangerous cliff any time soon.
“While concerned opinion leaders in the state are still in the process of proposing solutions to the present political logjam, the State Executive Committee came up with a meaningless communiqué, passing a vote of confidence on their boss, whose whereabouts have been unknown for more than 65 days.
“As if to shred whatever was remaining of the Akeredolu administration, two State Commissioners ridiculed the purported communique as ‘senseless’ and of ‘no effect.’
“Last week, Babajide Akeredolu, the Governor’s heir apparent, was seen in the Oke-Ijebu area of Akure, inspecting government projects with the full complement of the Governor’s convoy and security apparatus.
“Things have never been this bad in Ondo State. Who voted for Babajide as governor, or his mother, Betty, both of whom have held the state by its jugular?
“Now that the State Executive Council has decided to come and dance in the marketplace naked, it is clear the days of this government are numbered.
“The Ondo State Chapter of the PDP wishes to advise Akeredolu’s appointees to be honourable in the discharge of their responsibilities instead of making a mockery of themselves in the eyes of the people.”
But the ruling All Progressives Congress has condemned the PDP’s statement, describing it as a baseless attack.
APC Director of Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, said in a statement that the vote of confidence passed in Akeredolu was a testimony to his achievements.
He said, “The latest criticism from the PDP regarding the State Executive Council’s resolution on Governor Akeredolu’s government is yet another example of baseless attacks.
“The resolution commended the governor for his commitment to good governance, integrity, and exemplary leadership, which has consistently motivated and inspired the council members to fulfil their duties to the state.
“We are pleased that even the PDP acknowledged the Director-General of Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, Mr Babajide Akeredolu, inspecting ongoing projects in the state capital, debunking their earlier claims that no projects were being executed.
“The inspection of government projects is a crucial aspect of ensuring diligent and timely delivery of contracts. It is commendable that the political leadership in the state is actively involved in monitoring these projects for the benefit of the people.
“The State Executive Council went on to highlight Governor Akeredolu’s leadership qualities, including his compassion, vision, commitment to development, progress, and the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“This innocuous statement of appreciation was twisted by the PDP, who deemed it a meaningless communiqué that passed a vote of confidence on the governor.”