Hit the ground running, don’t create enemies for Aiyedatiwa, group charges Ondo commissioners, appointees

A group, the Ondo South Youths Forum (OSYF), has called on the commissioners and appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to hit the ground running rather than create enmity for the governor with the people.

The group also urged Aiyedatiwa not to delay the appointment of his commissioners, warning that some members of his appointed cabinet should not cause distractions for the governor by creating unnecessary enemies over temporary political offices.

According to the group, Aiyedatiwa should immediately hit the ground running by tackling some of the challenges confronting the state to usher in unprecedented development.

The OSYF, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Kingsley Omogbehin, urged members of Aiyedatiwa’s cabinet to focus on delivering good governance rather than chasing cheap popularity.

Omogbehin expressed concern over the attitude of some aides of Aiyedatiwa, dragging the governor into unnecessary political battles, particularly with some prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He berated one of the commissioners in the state over his attempt to fuel and sponsor political conflict between the governor and a serving minister from the state.

Omogbehin said, “We are warning the commissioner to fight his battle alone and not to drag the governor into it, thereby creating unnecessary enemies for him.”

The group reminded Aiyedatiwa of the crucial role played by the serving minister in ensuring his political survival, especially during the impeachment saga.

He charged the governor to remain focused on developing the state rather than engaging in personal vendettas.

“Aiyedatiwa should forever be grateful to this particular minister for the support before and during the election, particularly during the impeachment crisis.

“This commissioner should remember that without God and such persons like the said minister, Aiyedatiwa wouldn’t have become governor, and he certainly wouldn’t have been appointed as a commissioner.

“Most worrisome is that some appointees of the governor are assuming the role of the state’s Commissioner for Information by constantly issuing press statements from their offices rather than focusing on their assigned roles. This is unacceptable. We are not in a ‘Banana Republic.’”

The OSYF also accused some aides of Aiyedatiwa of being insincere politicians who lack true commitment to the APC’s progress.

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“We are aware of the roles many of these aides played during the APC presidential primary in 2022, and we warn them not to bring their fake lives to Ondo State. They are nothing but bootlickers.”

Advising the governor to remain focused, the group urged him to prioritise the development of the state rather than getting involved in distractions caused by his aides.

“Dear Mr Governor, it is time to hit the ground running and distance yourself from distractions. You only have four years, and your impact on the lives of the people and your legacy projects will be what the people remember about you.”

The group lamented the lack of government presence in Ondo South Senatorial District, despite Aiyedatiwa being from the district, noting that the last time the district felt real governance was during the administration of the late Dr Olusegun Agagu.

It, therefore, urged the governor to ensure the inclusion of the Ore-Okitipupa-Ilaje road dualisation project in the next state budget to facilitate development in the district.

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