Social Democratic Party (SDP) recently accused Ondo State government of diverting the federal allocations meant for local councils in the state, in this interview with SAM PHILIP, the Director, Media and Publicity of APC, Steve Otaloro spoke on this and other issues.
Excerpts
SDP in Ondo State alleged that the APC-led government of Ondo State is diverting money meant for local councils. How do you react to this?
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) regarding the diversion of local government funds by the state government. These claims are nothing short of a blatant lie from the pit of hell, aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension in our polity.
We urge the SDP, led by Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli, to exercise caution in their statements and to conduct proper investigations before issuing such unfounded press releases. The truth is that local government funds are released strictly upon allocation from the federation accounts, and at no point has the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa interfered with or misappropriated these funds.
Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government level, ensuring that local councils function effectively even in the absence of elections. This approach is designed to prevent any vacuum in governance at the grassroots and to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency.
It is apparent that Barr. Akinbuli is more concerned with creating sensational headlines to distract from the internal issues plaguing the SDP, including its national leadership struggles and corruption, rather than focusing on the real challenges facing his party. His attempts to meddle in local government affairs, of which he seems to have little understanding, are misguided. The local government chairmen, who are the elected representatives of the people, are in the best position to report on the developments within their jurisdictions.
As a political party, we take pride in the progress reports we receive from local government leaders, who are diligently working to implement our ‘Our Ease’ policy under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. We encourage them to continue their efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.
We, therefore, call on the SDP to focus on their internal challenges rather than spreading falsehoods that could destabilize our state. The APC remains committed to fostering a transparent and accountable governance structure that prioritizes the needs of the people.
Due to the ongoing defections to APC, there’s the allegation that APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are plotting to turn Nigeria to a one-party state. What do you have to say about this?
We want to firmly allay the fears of the opposition and the general public regarding the notion that the APC or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. This assertion is not only unfounded but also overlooks the fundamental principles of democracy that our party upholds. A vibrant democracy thrives on the presence of multiple political parties, and we recognize the essential role of the opposition in providing checks and balances.
Opposition parties must remain proactive and engaged with their members, ensuring that they do not drift away from their core values and objectives. By maintaining law and order within their ranks and addressing the concerns of their constituents, opposition parties can strengthen their position and contribute meaningfully to our democratic process. Our party is committed to fostering a political environment where diverse views can coexist, and we believe that a healthy competition among parties is vital for Nigeria’s growth and stability. By ensuring all these, the opposition parties need to look inwards and fix their party, put it in order, and stop playing the blame game on the APC.
After the governorship poll in Ondo State, the state has been cold in terms of activities. Why is your party so cold?
The perception that Ondo State has been “cold” in terms of activities following the recent governorship election is a misunderstanding of the ongoing efforts by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his administration. Since taking office, the governor has been diligently working on various initiatives aimed at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.
It is important to note that the full list of state commissioners has not yet been released, which has limited the government’s ability to communicate the numerous activities and policies being implemented. Once this list is finalized, the government will be better positioned to inform the public about the extensive work being done for the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has been focusing on critical areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare improvement, education reform, and youth empowerment. Significant strides are being made in road construction, enhancing access to quality healthcare services, and investing in educational institutions to ensure our youth are equipped for the future. Additionally, the governor has been actively engaging with local communities to address their concerns and gather feedback on government initiatives.
In summary, while there may be a perception of inactivity, rest assured that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is tirelessly working for the good people of Ondo State. We anticipate that with improved communication and transparency, the positive impact of his administration will become increasingly evident to the public.
Can you elaborate specifically on the infrastructure development initiatives currently underway in Ondo State?
Certainly! Under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, several infrastructure development initiatives are underway to improve the living standards of the people in Ondo State. These initiatives include the construction and rehabilitation of roads to enhance connectivity with the rural and urban centres, and the establishment of new healthcare facilities to provide better access to medical services. Additionally, the governor is focused on improving water supply and sanitation facilities to ensure that all citizens have access to clean water and proper sanitation.
What role do you see the media playing in the communication of government activities in Ondo State?
The media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and the citizens. The media need to report accurately and comprehensively on government initiatives and activities. As governments finalize the list of state commissioners and enhance their communication strategies, they will actively engage with journalists to ensure they have access to the information needed to keep the public informed. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is crucial for a healthy democracy, and we encourage the media to work collaboratively with the government to achieve this goal.