The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has taken a swipe at Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa over what it described as his government’s “reckless neglect and weakening” of the state’s security architecture, following the circulation of a leaked Department of State Services (DSS) memo warning of possible terrorist attacks in some parts of the state.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, the PDP accused the Aiyedatiwa administration of trivialising a grave national security issue with what it called a “bland and dismissive press release,” instead of responding with concrete and transparent measures to safeguard lives and property.
According to the opposition party, Governor Aiyedatiwa has “treated the vital issue of security with reckless indifference and shallow optics,” alleging that his administration has “systematically starved the state’s security structure of funding and morale.” The statement noted that the once vibrant and highly effective Amotekun Corps, which had become the pride of Ondo State’s community policing model, has now been reduced to “a struggling outfit surviving on empty promises and token allowances.”
“The officers who once stood tall as the first line of defense in our communities now battle poor welfare, inadequate logistics, and dwindling motivation because this government has chosen photo opportunities over purposeful leadership,” Àjàyí said. “Rather than build upon the robust security network he inherited, Governor Aiyedatiwa has chosen to dismantle it through neglect, lack of funding, and misplaced priorities.”
The PDP also expressed concern that while credible intelligence reports point to possible infiltration by armed groups around the state’s border communities, the governor’s approach to security has been limited to media appearances and vague assurances. “This kind of casual response in the face of looming threats exposes the depth of complacency within the Aiyedatiwa government,” the statement added.
The opposition party called on the governor to immediately address the growing welfare concerns of Amotekun officers and to take decisive steps toward integrating them into the state civil service as a way of ensuring stability, improved funding, and motivation. It added that the administration must immediately release withheld operational funds, provide adequate logistics, and renew the insurance and hazard allowances of officers across the state.
“The welfare and morale of our Amotekun officers directly impact the safety of our people,” Àjàyí stressed. “Their concerns must be treated with urgency, not dismissed as routine complaints. Governor Aiyedatiwa must understand that public safety is not a public relations exercise. The people of Ondo deserve to know that their government values their lives more than it values media appearances.”
The PDP therefore urged the governor to convene an urgent state security summit involving all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, security chiefs, civil society organisations, and opposition representatives, to develop a realistic and sustainable strategy for combating insecurity. It also called for a review of the operational framework of security agencies in the state to ensure better coordination and accountability.
“Ondo State was once a model of peace and vigilance in the Southwest,” Àjàyí said. “It is disheartening that this legacy is being eroded under a government that appears more interested in photo sessions than performance. Governor Aiyedatiwa must rise above propaganda and provide real leadership that puts the safety of our people first.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the people of Ondo State in demanding accountability and transparency from the government on issues of security and welfare. It also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while cooperating with legitimate security agencies to report any suspicious activities in their communities.
“The Peoples Democratic Party will continue to speak truth to power,” the statement concluded. “Security is the first duty of government, and any administration that fails to protect its people has failed completely in its most sacred responsibility.”
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