The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the ‘vote of confidence’ passed on convalescing Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu by his cabinet members, as a “dance in the market place naked”.
The opposition party said: “The State Executive Committee came up with a meaningless communique passing a vote of confidence on their boss whose whereabouts have been unknown for more than 65 days.”
In a statement issued by the state publicity secretary of the PDP, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, it noted that keen watchers of the state politics may have been wondering how the state arrived at this sorry state of affairs.
According to Peretei, “The ship of the state is just floating on the high sea, no captain, no direction and about to hit a dangerous cliff any time soon.
“Now that the State Executive Committee has decided to come and dance in the market place naked, it is clear the days of this government are numbered.
“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 Oke-Ijebu area of Akure, inspecting government projects with the full compliment 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?”
The opposition party, however, advised 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, reacting to the PDP’s claim, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed its disappointment with what it called uninformed criticism and negative vibes from the opposition PDP regarding the government projects and position of the governor.
The party said, “It is disheartening to witness the PDP consistently disparage the achievements of Governor Akeredolu and his government, with their attacks being hopelessly wide of the mark.”
Speaking through the director, Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, APC said the latest criticism from the PDP regarding the State Executive Council’s resolution on Governor Akeredolu’s government was another example of baseless attacks.
Otaloro said: “It is important to note that the communique was supported by the majority of the cabinet members, with only two members abstaining from signing. The democratic principle of majority decision-making was upheld, allowing both the majority and minority views to be acknowledged.
“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.
“As the ruling political party in Ondo State, we commend the State Executive Council for their uprightness, transparency, and openness in their resolution. We fully align with their thoughts on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, who deserves commendation for his dedication to bringing dividends of democracy to the people.
“We validate the State Executive Council’s resolution and pass an overwhelming vote of confidence on Governor Akeredolu and his cabinet members on behalf of the good people of Ondo State. We appreciate their tireless efforts in working for the overall good and interest of the state.”
