By John Odunjo
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth group, Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN) has berated the All Progressives Congress government in Ondo State for alleged infractions, manipulations, neglect of rule of law and lack of accountability, describing it as worst in history of the state.
VAN National President, Prince Seyi Ajibola, who expressed sadness that a bad precedent was being set in Ondo State following the absence of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, from the state without proper transfer of power, called on the governor to resign if he is incapacitated.
Also, VAN Ondo State Coordinator, Great Babalola Gbonegun, lamented, “Ondo State has already taken the back seat in national activities, state development and growth due to incapacity and ill health of the executive governor of the state which has adversely affected management of state affairs.
The VAN leaders spoke in a statement titled ‘Ondo State in shambles under APC-led administration’ at the weekend.
Gbonegun said, “Just as we believe health is very important, we also understand the responsibilities of subordinates in the administrative settings and the need for delegation of authority.
“The APC-led administration has plunged Ondo State into a state of disorganization and absolute disarray. It is lamentable and nasty that a state highly placed and glorified has become a show of shame by way of the poor leadership of APC and the Governor Akeredolu administration,” the state VAN coordinator said.
VAN National President, Ajibola, who condemned the non-transfer of power in view of the governor’s long absence from the state, said, “As a youth organization, we call for quick and urgent action.
“We dare say that if Akeredolu is completely down and incapacitated to effectively and efficiently discharge his responsibilities as the state chief executive and security officer, he should resign.
According to Ajibola, what obtains in the state at present under the APC administration is “lack of meaningful direction and indifference to the plight of the people and criminal concentration on self pleasure and well-being without any regard for the plight of others”.
The VAN president accused the administration of prioritizing the non-essential instead of focusing on the well-being of the people, fulfilling campaign promises and enhancing development across the 18 local governments; and paying workers duly.
He, however, said that developments in the state since APC got to office had “made it clear to the people people that PDP is the way, the truth and the life. Come 2024, PDP shall be victorious in Ondo State”.
