PDP Candidate Agboola Ajayi Criticises Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Appointment of 344 Aides

As the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State approaches, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, has sharply criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the recent appointment of 344 aides.

Ajayi alleges that these appointments, which include Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs), are part of a strategic manoeuvre by Aiyedatiwa to influence the upcoming election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s decision to appoint such a large number of aides just three months before the election has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Ajayi contends that the timing and scale of these appointments suggest that the newly appointed aides are essentially being positioned as ward canvassers for the APC.

He expressed his concerns through a statement released by his campaign organisation’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, labelling the move as “criminal” and devoid of any genuine intent to improve governance.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, on his part, has defended the appointments, stating that they are intended to ensure smooth governance across Ondo State.

He emphasised that the appointments were carefully distributed across the state’s 18 local government areas, 33 local council development areas, and 203 political wards.

Aiyedatiwa argued that such measures are necessary to enhance the efficiency of his administration, especially as the state faces numerous challenges that require robust local engagement and administrative presence.

However, Ajayi has dismissed the governor’s rationale, arguing that the appointments are nothing more than a politically motivated scheme designed to sway the electorate.

According to Ajayi, these new aides have no defined roles or responsibilities, making their appointment an extravagant misuse of public resources at a time when Ondo State is grappling with economic difficulties.

Ajayi stated, “The appointment on Friday of 344 aides is a ridiculous action of a governor who is at sea over choices to make for the advancement of our state, confused largely over what should extend the frontiers of our development but chose to prosecute petty partisanship desires at the expense of good government.”

He went on to argue that the financial implications of these appointments are significant, with estimates suggesting that the monthly remuneration for these aides could cost the state approximately N1.2 billion.

Ajayi pointed out that such a sum could have been better utilised in funding a new ministry or addressing the pressing needs of the state’s citizens, who are currently facing economic hardship.

He criticised the governor’s decision as an irresponsible allocation of resources, stating, “To appoint 344 aides with no specific governmental responsibilities and defined functions is criminal, particularly when due cognisance is taken of the fact that their remuneration per month is going to cost the government about N1.2 billion.”

Ajayi’s comments reflect a broader frustration with what he perceives as a lack of focus on genuine governance and development in Ondo State.

He accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of prioritising partisan interests over the welfare of the people, warning that such tactics would not succeed in swaying the electorate on November 16.

He declared, “In fact, their number and resources to be expended on them are enough to begin a new ministry.

We declare that it is ridiculous and wrong for Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appoint APC Ward Canvassers as Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants; Ondo State has never been this unlucky.”

As the election date draws nearer, the controversy surrounding these appointments is likely to intensify, with opposition parties and civil society groups scrutinising the governor’s actions.

Ajayi has called on the people of Ondo State to remain vigilant and reject what he describes as blatant attempts to manipulate the electoral process.

He urged voters to consider the broader implications of such actions for the state’s future, emphasising the need for a government that prioritises transparency, accountability, and the genuine development of the state.

In response to Ajayi’s allegations, the governor’s office has reiterated its commitment to fair and effective governance, dismissing the PDP candidate’s criticisms as politically motivated.

The administration insists that the appointments are in line with its broader strategy to decentralise governance and improve service delivery across the state.

However, with the election looming, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact voter perceptions and whether Ajayi’s warnings will resonate with the electorate.

Ultimately, this episode highlights the ongoing challenges facing Ondo State’s political landscape, where the lines between governance and electoral strategy often blur, and the actions of those in power are subject to intense scrutiny.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, both candidates will need to navigate these complexities carefully, balancing their political ambitions with the need to address the pressing concerns of the people they seek to serve.