The political atmosphere in Ondo State took a dramatic turn on Saturday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of violating the 1999 Constitution and abusing his office through what it described as executive lawlessness and financial recklessness. The party's statement, signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, marked the Governor’s 100th day in office with a strong condemnation of his governance style.
Central to the PDP’s accusations is the Governor’s refusal to constitute a cabinet more than 90 days after being sworn in. The party described this as a clear violation of Section 192(6) of the Constitution, which requires state governors to appoint commissioners within 60 days. According to the statement, the Governor’s inaction is not only unconstitutional but a deliberate ploy to monopolize decision-making and shut out broader representation.
The PDP further alleged that this vacuum in governance has allowed the Governor to award contracts arbitrarily without due consultation or debate. One such contract, the construction of 32 four-bedroom presidential buildings allegedly meant for cabinet members, was described as "vexatious and inflated". According to the PDP, each unit is billed at a staggering N281 million, summing up to N8.1 billion. The party also criticized the so-called upgrading and vertical enhancement of the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park, pegged at N3.6 billion, calling it a reckless misapplication of funds and a misuse of the revered elder statesman's name.
In addition, the party accused the Governor of operating the state’s finances in secrecy. It said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and federal allocations are known only to the Governor and his Commissioner for Finance, with no transparency or public accountability. The PDP declared that it would no longer tolerate what it termed "executive rascality", and gave the Governor a 14-day ultimatum to constitute his cabinet and revoke the contentious contracts or face legal action.
The Ondo State Government has yet to respond to these allegations. However, the statement has already stirred political tension across the state, with analysts predicting intensified opposition pressure in the coming weeks.
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