Olugbenga Edema, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming November 16 election, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to disclose the whereabouts of 10 trucks of rice sent to the state by the Federal Government.
Edema stated that it is essential for Aiyedatiwa to explain when and to whom the rice was distributed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Federal Government had announced the delivery of 10 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states, with the intention of selling them at N40,000 per bag.
Edema alleged that the rice allocated to the state might have been distributed among the governor’s political supporters. He insisted that all residents of the state should benefit from the rice, regardless of their political affiliations.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Akure by Mr. Ayeni Oluwatosin, spokesperson for the Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organization, Edema accused Aiyedatiwa of lacking transparency and accountability in the distribution of the rice.
“We condemn Gov. 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.
“Gov. 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, Gov. 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,” he stated.
Edema said that it was worrisome that N570 billion released to 36 states of the federation to expand the livelihood support to citizens of the country had no impacts in the state.
“So, Gov. Aiyedatiwa must tell the people of Ondo State what happened to their own share,” he said.
He asked Aiyedatiwa to give the people of the state statement of account of funds and palliatives received from the Federal Government for the use of the people of the state since his reign as substantive governor.
“Gov. Aiyedatiwa should 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 Gov. 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 Gov. 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,” he said.