The Nigerian Police and Department of State Services (DSS) disrupted the #EndBadGovernance protest in Ondo State on Friday, which was the second day.
In response to the disruption, the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Wing accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of using security agencies to disrupt peaceful protests and manipulate the narrative instead of addressing the core issues raised by the protesters.
In a statement released on Saturday, the youth wing’s spokesperson, Ijanusi Olawale, accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of distributing only small portions of the state’s resources to the people, treating them like beggars.
The statement read, “It’s no longer news that Nigerians, in response to the untold hardship inflicted on them by the APC-led administration headed by President Bola Tinubu, have taken to the streets. This mass mobilisation is a direct reaction to the severe effects of federal government policies on their standard of living.”
Olawale said that the people’s outcry was a demand for swift and effective responses from governments at all levels to address these pressing issues.
“In Ondo State, the history and outcomes of past protests have influenced the people to choose a sit-at-home approach. This peaceful and bold statement is intended to highlight their grievances and align with the broader protest movements across Nigeria.”
He noted that the people of Ondo State demanded solutions to their day-to-day survival problems, echoing the sentiments of protesters nationwide.
According to him, “Instead of graciously acknowledging this silent yet powerful protest, Governor Aiyedatiwa has chosen to activate his spin doctors. These individuals are skilled in molding false perceptions, sculpting reality with rhetoric, and manipulating narratives. Their goal is to distract from the harsh reality of hunger and hardship faced by the people of Ondo State, painting an illusory picture of effectiveness and prosperity.”
“On August 1, 2024, in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa engaged in distributing crumbs of the state’s commonwealth to the people, treating them like beggars. This act, carried out in the early hours, is a stark contrast to the responsibilities highlighted in the constitution.”
He further explained that, since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa had had more than a hundred percent increase in statutory allocations from the center, coupled with the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
He said despite these resources, the governor had neither completed any pending projects initiated by his late predecessor nor embarked on new developmental projects.
“His tenure has shown a lack of vision and direction, reducing the people of Ondo State to mere toilers without tangible improvements in their lives.”
“It is clear that Governor Aiyedatiwa was unprepared for the responsibilities that accompany his position. His tenure has been characterised by the bare minimum of paying salaries, appointing numerous Special Assistants (SAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), and attending social events. This facade of friendship with the people is contradicted by his actions, which show a stark disregard for their welfare.
“We encourage Governor Aiyedatiwa to use his remaining time in office to make a meaningful impact. Focus on areas such as Health, Education, Agricultural Development, and harnessing our natural resources for the benefit of the people. This period is a crucial opportunity for him to leave a positive legacy, as his time in office will unequivocally end on February 3, 2025,” he said.
Olawale added that the people of Ondo State deserve genuine leadership that prioritised their needs and well-being.
He emphasised that it was time for Governor Aiyedatiwa to rise to the occasion and fulfill the responsibilities of his office with integrity and dedication.
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