Public servants in Ondo State have expressed concern about the purported extravagant spending of government funds by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in recent weeks.
The public servants, under the auspices of Concerned Ondo Public Servants (COPS) alleged that the governor is diverting state resources towards political activities to bolster his gubernatorial ambition.
Expressing concerns over the reckless spending, she stressed the need to call the governor to order and stop wasting the taxpayers’ money.
Segun Aderibigbe, the group’s spokesperson, in a statement, expressed dismay over the insensitive allocation of government funds to party members, notably highlighted during the recent stakeholders’ meeting.
The statement read: “We have closely observed the events in our beloved state since the passing of our former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who demonstrated immense care and respect for Ondo State workers.
“Although he has departed this world, we take solace in the fact that he lived a purposeful life and left an indelible mark.
“However, since Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed leadership, the business of governance seems to have been reduced to serving political interests.
“Decisions and policies are now driven solely by political ambition and self-interest. We are deeply alarmed by the governor’s spending habits and the manner in which state resources are being utilized.
“In particular, we are troubled by the sheer insensitivity displayed by promising monthly salary payments to party members from the grassroots to the state level. It is even more worrisome considering that the state has over N30 billion in unpaid gratuities.
Aderibigbe further said that “Governor Aiyedatiwa gave N100,000 to each party member present at the stakeholders’ meeting.”
He notes: “With over 3,000 party members in attendance, this means that millions of our state’s resources have been spent solely to please party members in line with the governor’s gubernatorial ambition.
“We are aware that there are monthly deductions from the salaries of political appointees, which are remitted to the party’s coffers. We believe that the amount generated from these deductions is sufficient to fund the party and its members.
“State resources, on the other hand, should be allocated to benefit the entire population and serve the public good, rather than the party and its members. In the past seven weeks alone, an astounding N17 billion has accrued to the state’s coffers.
“The level of financial recklessness unfolding in our state is unimaginable. Unless the people rise up and demand accountability, this mismanagement will persist throughout the year.
“It is largely driven by the upcoming gubernatorial election. Within this short period, we have witnessed an alarming withdrawal of government funds.
“Once again, we view the sharing of government funds to party members at the Dome as irresponsible and reckless.
“We will not sit idly by and allow Governor Aiyedatiwa to exploit the resources of our beloved state for his political agenda. We will strongly oppose him.”
The chief press secretary to Governor Ayedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, declined comments on the allegations.
However, another aide to the governor, denied reckless spending by Aiyedatiwa, adding that the group was crying wolf where none existed.
The aide said: “They’re just seeking relevance. It’s however true that money was given to those who attended the stakeholders meeting, but it was meant to appreciate party members and it was without the knowledge of the governor.”
