The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state on Wednesday accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of hoarding the 20 trucks of rice palliatives sent to the state by the federal government.
Last week, the FG announced a palliative measure of 20 trucks of 25 bags of rice to each state of the federation, including the nation’s capital as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living.
But in a statement, the PDP alleged that Aiyedatiwa was yet to distribute the palliatives to the residents of the state after weeks of getting its own share.
In a copy of the statement signed by the party’s spokesman, Leye Igbabo, the PDP further accused Mr Ayedatiwa of planning to repackage and rebrand the grains by sharing to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“We have it on good authority that the Governor is trying to repackage and rebrand the said palliatives and share to members and supporters of APC with a view to using same to promote his gubernatorial ambition as the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election approaches.
“This we consider duplicitous and insincere approach to service and governance, a consistent disposition of the Ayedatiwa administration since he accidentally became Governor, otherwise the delay in the distribution of an interventionist action as this, would not, ordinarily have arisen.
“Our party views this posture of Mr Governor as not only insensitive but equally wicked, inhuman and unbecoming of a State Governor who should, as matter of fact, exhibit empathy, love and compassion for the people that are already challenged, hopeless, devastated and ravaged by hunger, anger and disease,” it said.
The party added that it was expecting the state governor to consider the predicament of the people by going extra lengths to alleviate the hardship of the people, as the residents refused to join the nationwide hunger protest in the state.
It noted that it considered the desire to ‘politicise palliative distribution’ at the expense of the general populace as not only distasteful and reprehensible but equally absurd and brutal.
“However, we now have reason to believe that the Governor’s recent appreciation to the people of Ondo State for not joining the national protest, can at best be seen as shedding of crocodile tears and we therefore call on him to immediately release the palliatives for appropriate distribution to the targeted section of the society without any further procrastination,” the statement further read.
Ondo APC to PDP: Your allegation on palliatives juvenile, irresponsible
It is disheartening that a once vibrant opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been deflated and now has no regards for facts, decency, and now resorts to outright lies with awful recklessness.
How can a group of individuals, under the aegis of PDP contemplate that a sitting governor, who has demonstrated compassion, love for the people would rebrand palliatives and take same to the market for sale? The party described the action as an act of wickedness? Responsible national political parties are better refined.
For the avoidance of doubts, the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in Ondo has thus far handled the issue of palliatives with utmost transparency, sincerity, and with the fear of God.
The party is bold to announce to the rudderless party that all the items received from the federal government have been distributed to the 203 wards in the State, through their closely-monitored local government representatives.
The State Governor, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, out of sincere concern for the people, has directed the State Food Security Agency to work out series of measures to cushion the harsh effects of the current has economy, that is a global phenomenon.
The State Government package, that would soon be unveiled in six major centres, at the first instance, will witness reduction of 25 percent reduction in the core food items.
Every resident of the Sunshine State, irrespective of party affiliation, status, ethnic group would enjoy this gesture.
Ondo State chapter of the APC is elated at some of the steps being undertaken (and calmly too) by the Aiyedatiwa-led government. Such initiatives can only be dreamt of by any PDP-controlled state.
Food security is one of the core targets of the present government, for which adequate deal, commitment and seriousness are being deployed by it’s agents to actualize this lofty plan.
Ondo APC urged the good people of the state to forgive irritating the level of ignorance on the palliatives matter. The opposition party is only craving attention and relevance at all cost.
Alex Kalejaye
Publicity Secretary
Ondo APC
7th August, 2024
