The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has leveled accusations against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, claiming he has withheld 20 trucks of rice palliatives sent by the federal government.
The federal government recently announced a palliative measure of 20 trucks, each carrying 25 bags of rice, for each state and the nation’s capital to mitigate the rising cost of living.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, PDP spokesperson Leye Igbabo alleged that Governor Aiyedatiwa has not distributed the palliatives weeks after receiving them. The PDP further accused the governor of planning to repackage and rebrand the rice for distribution to All Progressives Congress (APC) members to bolster his political ambitions ahead of the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.
“We have it on good authority that the Governor is trying to repackage and rebrand the said palliatives and share to members and supporters of APC with a view to using same to promote his gubernatorial ambition,” the statement read. The PDP criticized this move as a “duplicitous and insincere approach to service and governance,” calling it insensitive and inhumane, given the hardship faced by residents.
The PDP urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to prioritize the welfare of the people and distribute the palliatives promptly. They argued that politicizing the distribution of relief materials is distasteful and reprehensible.
In response, the state government denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and unfounded. The governor’s spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, asserted that the palliatives had already been distributed and challenged the opposition to present evidence to support their claims.
“Not true. What came to Ondo State has been distributed already. If they have any evidence, let them bring it forward,” Adeniyan stated.
The controversy over the palliatives distribution comes at a time when the Ondo State residents are struggling with economic hardships, raising concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of government interventions.
