Gov Akeredolu, PDP Bicker Over Dismantling Of Security Checkpoints In Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo has accused Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of insensitivity to the security of the people by his refusal to pay allowances of security personnel, culminating in the sudden dismantling of security checkpoints in the state.

The opposition party had, on Wednesday, raised alarm over the sudden disappearance of a checkpoint manned by military personnel along Ondo road in Akure.

The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kenedy Peretei, pointed out that naval personnel who mount surveillance at the coastal area have abandoned their posts due to non payment of their allowances by the State Government.

Peretei’s statement reads “Soldiers that man security check points in Ondo State, especially at the inter State boundaries have abandoned the check points.

“This is as a result of the refusal of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to pay  allowances due to these personnel.

“Over the years, the Army high Command approved the mobilisation of soldiers to thirty  two (32) strategic locations in the State to stem the activities of kidnappers and other criminals on the condition that the State Government pays a token as allowances to the soldiers.

“This arrangement preceded the incumbent administration under Akeredolu.

“Unfortunately, in the last four months, these allowances have not been paid. All efforts to appeal to the Governor fell on deaf ears. Also, efforts by Traditional Rulers to plead with the Governor did not yield any results.

“In the last one year, eleven Traditional Rulers have been kidnapped, while one first class Oba, the Oluifon of Ifon was murdered in cold blood by gunmen.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State chapter joins other well meaning Ondo State citizens to appeal to Governor Akeredolu, to immediately pay the outstanding allowances due to the security personnel without further delay.

“The primary responsibility of any Government is the protection of lives and properties, a duty that has been observed by the APC Government more in the breach.

“Even with the presence of the soldiers, the people don’t sleep with their two eyes closed, what happens when, the criminals now have a field day, because of the failure of the Governor to do the needful?”

But, the State Government, in a statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo, described the allegation by the PDP as that of a party that lacks understanding of governance.

“The spurious efforts of the opposition PDP to weaponise a seeming situation of near sabotage, clearly shows how detached they are from the arena of vigilance.

“To them, everything is politics and politics must be infused into everything, including the safety and welfare of the people.

“No discerning group could have bought into such cheaply brandished propaganda.

“The ignorantly appraised security situation by the PDP is an inelegant manifestation that they would rather dance on the blood of innocent South westerners on the alter of politics for patronage than stand firm in defence of their people.

“The Ondo State Government desires not to go into the merits of the flying story about non-payment of allowances to any arm of the military.

“It deserves no such efforts more so, that, the concerned arm of the military has yet to issue any statement in that regards.

“It must be noted that notwithstanding the politicisation of any situation, the Ondo State Government ably led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN shall not, under whatever circumstances, succumb to blackmail and allow any puerile allegation wrapped under ethnicised platforms to wrought further violence on our people.

“It must clear to all, including the PDP, that, the target is AMOTEKUN. Unfortunately for whoever whose motive is to perpetrate violence under any guise, our resolve to sustain AMOTEKUN remains unwavering.

“We won’t be deterred in any form. Our time-tested character and attitude toward tackling insecurity even at odd times, shall not be compromised.”