…Charges security agencies to closely monitor the PDP
…You’re only afraid of your own shadows — PDP
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to destabilise the state.
The APC made this allegation on Sunday in reference to a protest against the governor by the PDP.
The youth wing of the PDP had, on Saturday, trended some graphics on social media asking for the whereabouts of the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The graphics also contained information of a planned peaceful protest slated for Monday to ask the governor to either resume his duty, or resign if he is no longer capable.
In a statement signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, the party accused the PDP of going “into unholy alliance with some elements in APC to foment avoidable crisis in Ondo State”.
Kalejaye said, “The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has uncovered the plans by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to instigate crisis in Akure, the State capital, on Monday.
“The essence of the arrangement, it was further gathered, is to create a semblance of political instability in the peaceful State, in addition to portraying the ruling party in bad light, ahead of governorship election, coming up next year.
“It has come to our knowledge that some PDP chieftains, who have started making huge contributions, in collaboration with some players within our fold, have finalised plans to destabilise the Sunshine State,” the party alleged.
“The chapter explained that Ondo State has thus far been peaceful, organized, and enjoyed enviable political stability, and industrial harmony.
“It is unbelievable that the main opposition party, PDP, that is engulfed by leadership turbulent in Abuja, will prefer to go into unholy alliance with some elements in APC to foment avoidable crisis in Ondo State.
“Disturbed by the information, the State chapter, in an emergency meeting on Sunday, condemned in strong terms such thoughts and plans to instigate political upheaval and create disaffection among the people.
“Ondo APC argued that the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been discharging his official duties and responsibilities without any hitch, irrespective of his location.
“The party also expressed appreciation for the understanding and prayers of the good people of the State for the admirable governor.
“We are very optimistic that our Governor; your performing Governor, will be in our midst in a matter of days,” the party assured.
“It is imperative to state that any political gathering or activity at this time could easily be hijacked beyond the control and capacity of the organizers.
“We therefore call on security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that every gathering is well guided, and closely monitored for compliance.
“The party is confident that the APC-led government in Ondo State will continue to invest in projects that have direct bearings on the welfare of the public. We will also not relax our commitment to the State workforce” the statement concluded.
STOP YOUR DIVERSIONARY TACTICS — ONDO PDP REACTS
However, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, described the APC allegation as laughable and said the ruling party is only afraid of its own shadow.
Peretei urged the ruling party to address Akeredolu’s absence from the state and stop the diversionary tactics.
The PDP spokesman, who noted that Akeredolu has been back in the country for over a month and expressed dismay over the Governor’s refusal to return to the state, said, “The APC is populated by shameless people. The governor has been absent from his duty post since April this year, yet they are comfortable with the total collapse of governance in the state. The Governor has not been seen in the state since April this year.
“The PDP is known for its peaceful and developmental strides in the State. We cannot be accused of planning to create crisis in the state.
“It is clear that APC is afraid of their own shadows having failed to meet the expectations of the people.
“If they know where Akeredolu is, they should ask him to come out or resign honourably”, Peretei said.
