Account for Ondo State share of N570bn palliatives funds – Edema challenges Aiyedatiwa
Olugbenga Edema, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, has challenged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to account for the state’s share of the over N570 billion released by the federal government to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to the citizens.
Edema in a statement issued by Ayeni Oluwatosin, the Spokesperson for Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organisation on Tuesday in Akure, chided the governor for lack of transparency and accountability in the distribution of rice and other palliatives provided by the federal government.
The statement read: “The Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organisation of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State for his lack of transparency and accountability in the distribution of rice and other palliatives provided by the federal government.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to run Ondo State as a personal enterprise rather than in the interest of the good people of the state is unacceptable and goes against the principles of good governance.
“With the evidence at our disposal, Governor Aiyedatiwa has allocated the rice and palliatives received from the Federal Government as exclusive benefits for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Aiyedatiwa is using them as tools to further his personal agenda.
“These funds and palliatives belong to the masses and are intended to alleviate the hardship caused by the All Progressives Congress-led administration in the country, not to serve the interests of a particular political party.
“One would begin to imagine what happened to the funds released to the state by the federal government, particularly when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his speech on August 4, disclosed that his administration has released over N570 billion to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to citizens across the country.
“So, Governor Aiyedatiwa must tell the people of Ondo State what happened to their own share.
“The Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organisation demands that Governor Aiyedatiwa give a full and transparent account of all public funds and palliatives received from the Federal Government.
“These resources are meant to benefit all residents of Ondo State, regardless of their political affiliation, and should be distributed equitably to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“It is imperative that Governor Aiyedatiwa understand that public funds are not to be used for personal gain or political advantage but are meant to serve the greater good of the people.
“The people of Ondo State deserve a leader who prioritises their welfare and acts in the best interests of all citizens, without discrimination or favouritism.
“We call on Governor Aiyedatiwa to immediately rectify this situation and ensure transparency in the distribution of public resources.
“The Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organisation stands with the people of Ondo State in demanding accountability and transparency in the entire process.”