Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, and the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in the state, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, has charged the people of the state to take proactive measures in defending themselves against attacks by bandits.
Ajayi, while speaking on the heels of the insecurity in the state urged the people to defend themselves rather than relying solely on government intervention amid the spate of insecurity ravaging the state.
Ajayi who berated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the incessant attacks, killing and kidnapping in the state advised the governor to seek help over the overwhelming security challenges.
The PDP governorship candidate urged Aiyedatiwa to revive the Amotekun Corps and put in place the necessary measures to curb the situation.
He said, “Let me underscore the fact that the security challenge confronting Ondo State is not an entirely new development, but governments before the present have adeptly managed this odious crisis and disallowed it to fester to the level it is today.
“While I was deputy governor of Ondo State between 2017 and 2021, working dutifully alongside my late boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, we developed a robust plan and implemented actions that put banditry and criminality in check. We stopped outrightly open grazing of cattle by herdsmen, and sanity ruled.
“Unfortunately, the gains of that era have been allowed to slip away, and the people are now in pain.
“While I condemn the sloppiness and lethargy with which Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is conducting the affairs of our state, it completely underscores his ill-preparedness and incompetence to be in the saddle.
“The need to take full grip of this crisis cannot be delayed a day longer. I therefore call on the governor to seek help and take actions that will take Ondo State back from the grip of invading bandits forthwith.
“The government must, as a matter of fact, revamp Amotekun immediately and ensure the re-creation of armed forest guards that will police our forests and uproot all invading criminal elements so that peace can reign in our state.
“Due to the fact that Mr Governor takes over a billion naira as a security vote, it is time to make the administration of this fund bear results in the interest of the State; we the people do not deserve anything less.
“I encourage our people to begin to organise to defend themselves from undue assaults by bandits while we hope that Gov Ayedatiwa will get his acts together soon.”
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state asked Ajayi to stop playing politics with security issues but acknowledged the surge in the insecurity in the state
The APC in a statement, issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the governor has embarked on proactive measures to address the challenges confronting the state, but said the security the challenge is not peculiar to Ondo state only.
He stated that ‘Aiyedatiwa inherited a complex landscape of security threats that requires a multifaceted approach, and he has been committed to tackling these issues head-on.
“It is essential to note that the issue of insecurity is not unique to Ondo State. It is a national challenge that has plagued many regions, and attributing its emergence solely to the current administration is both misleading and unfair.
“Aiyedatiwa has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing the security architecture of Ondo State. Under his leadership, the Amotekun Corps has been strengthened, and the collaboration between local security agencies and community leaders has been prioritized.
“These efforts have been instrumental in curbing crime rates and restoring peace in affected areas. It is important to recognize that security is a shared responsibility, and the government is actively working with citizens to foster a safer environment”
He stated further that “Ajayi’s assertions regarding the alleged inefficacy of the current administration are not only unfounded but also politically motivated.
“His comments reflect a blatant attempt to exploit the sensitive issue of security for political gain, especially after his significant defeat in the last governorship election.
“Instead of offering constructive criticism or solutions, he chooses to engage in fear-mongering, which only serves to create panic among the populace. As a former Deputy Governor, Mr. Ajayi is aware of the delicate nature of security matters.
“His public pronouncements, including the dissemination of unverified figures regarding the state’s security votes, not only undermine the efforts of the government but could also inadvertently provide critical information to criminals.
” It is imperative that he exercise caution in his statements, as baseless claims could jeopardize the safety of our citizens.
“We urge Mr. Ajayi to adopt a more responsible approach when discussing security issues. Instead of playing to the gallery, he should focus on collaborative efforts that promote peace and security in Ondo State. The people of Ondo State deserve leaders who prioritize their safety over political ambition”
He however, said “We reaffirm our commitment to supporting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in his efforts to combat insecurity in Ondo State.
“We call on all stakeholders, including Mr. Agoola Ajayi, to join hands in fostering a secure environment for our citizens. Together, we can work towards solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all Ondo State residents.
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