Ekiti govt, PDP chieftain bicker over ‘stomach infrastructure’ scheme

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Ekiti State, Mr Opeyemi Falegan, has described the “stomach infrastructure scheme of the state government under Governor AyodeleFayose, as a ruse.

Falegan, who is based in the United Kingdom (UK), in a statement, alleged that the stomach infrastructure scheme was one which was to deceive the people.

Falegan in the statement also alleged that Governor Fayose was “subjecting the state to ridicule” by his constant criticism of the policies of the Federal Government led by MuhammaduBuhari, and claimed that the governor, by that, was “playing to the gallery.”

Falegan said: “It is worrisome and disturbing, the level of bad image the current leadership in Ekiti State is giving it on daily basis as a result of seeking cheap publicity and public sympathy as a way of covering up financial mess on the corridor of power.”

But the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, decried what he described as “poor level of knowledge of the man in question on issues affecting Ekiti State and its people,” saying “but for the fact that he has ulterior motives, we wouldn’t have joined issues with him.”

Ogunsuyi, who reacted through the telephone, described Falegan as having an “ulterior motive” but explained that “the people of the state have always come out to receive the stomach infrastructure products. Because Falegan is neither unemployed nor indigent, he wouldn’t understand or appreciate or comprehend what the governor is doing. It takes a large heart to give, even if you have money.”

Ogunsuyi had said people like him did not “comprehend what the government is doing but the people affected appreciate the governor and are grateful for his efforts at reaching them directly through the stomach infrastructure scheme.”

On his allegation that Fayose was playing to the gallery with his criticism, Ogunsuyi said “Fayose is a national icon because he has been in office as governor for over a decade and has experiences on the various issues. People like Falegan are spectators in history-making, while Fayose is following his destiny, having been chairman of Governors Forum and a two-term governor of Ekiti State.”

Falegan had said people in and outside the state needed to ask questions on the actual amount being expended on “stomach infrastructure” by the governor.