The Ondo State government, on Sunday, said it has uncovered a plot to unleash a smear image on the governor of the state, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, family members and some senior government officials by some elements in the state.
The state government said it had also uncovered the plot to use some media houses to carry out the plot by publishing “fake documents which had been fraudulently procured” by the elements.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Mr. Donald Ojogo, in Akure said alleged blackmail was designed to cause a distraction for the Akeredolu-led government as it commences the second term in office.
Ojogo said part of the method employed by the aggrieved losers include the “cloning of official documents, fabrication of fictitious documents and concoction of imaginary data linking it to the governor, his immediate family and some government officials.”
The statement read in part: “A grand plot to blackmail and discredit Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and targeted senior government officials is in the offing.
“Obviously, the motive of those behind this heinous plot is to distract the administration as it commences the aggregation of the modest achievements within the first 100 days of the governor’s second term.
“Among others, these disgruntled losers and their known accomplices have hatched several devices. This method includes the cloning of official documents, outright fabrication of fictitious documents and concoction of imaginary data and perceived details and linking same to the Governor, his immediate family and a few government officials.
“Already, a few of such fake documents have been fraudulently procured and sent to selected media houses in line with the intention of the sponsors of this devious act.
“For the records, the Akeredolu-led administration stands on the tripod of integrity, transparency and accountability. These inspiring watchwords have provided the needed confidence and vigour for the government to thrive on the path of modest efforts in the last four years plus.
“These virtues were indeed, the reasons sponsors of such plots could not find any incriminating transactions against the Government in the build-up to the last elections inspite of strenuous efforts in that regard.
“For Governor Akeredolu, he has moved on since the election and remains the pilot of the Ondo State Project for the benefit of all without discrimination. Elections, the intrigues as well as the activities of players remain confined to the past, he believes.
“Therefore, while the government remains unperturbed by the last kicks of disgruntled losers who voluntarily cleared paths of personal political destinies for themselves, it finds it expedient to raise the alarm as regards the intended act.”
Ojogo, however, urged members of the public to disregard the said report describing it as not only fake but wicked and a calculated plot to cause crisis and achieve pre-determined plots.
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