Ondo: PDP, APC In War Of Words Over Defection Of Members To Ruling Party

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and  All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state are at each other’s throat over defection of some members of opposition to the ruling party few days ago.

The defection of Olumuyiwa Adu former PDP candidate for House of Representatives for Akure north and south and some top notchers from Akoko area had been celebrated by the APC which described PDP as dead in the state.

Reacting, PDP state publicity secretary, Kenedy Peretei said “Ordinarily, one would have ignored such an unguarded and monumental goof, as it may have been due to the influence of alcohol provided by the attention seeking decampees who rolled out drums simply to impress the likes of Adetimehin.

“Perhaps, the APC State Chairman would have been correct, if he said his party has grounded Ondo State in just six years that it has been at the saddle.”

The PDP spokesperson added that the APC, which cannot boast of any achievement in the health sector that has now been comatose, can’t claim its alive to the plight of Ondo residents.

‘Is Ondo State health sector not grounded under the APC led government as doctors and nurses leave the state employment in droves?

“Has the APC government not grounded the free school shuttle buses that used to provide succour for students and their parents? Has the APC government not turned the hitherto clean streets of Akure into huge dump sites?

“Has the state capital that used to be lit up at night not become a ghost of its former self? Has the APC government not grounded economic activities in the cities by failing to provide soft loans to traders and artisans? If Adetimehin was not economical with the truth, he should have admitted that his party has grounded Ondo State, not the PDP”.

Peretei challenged the APC chairman to prove his popularity, and that of his party by winning his polling unit.

“A State Chairman that used to be the butt of every joke within APC circle for serially losing his Polling Unit and Electoral ward can have the audacity to say he has grounded PDP in the state is laughable.

“Adetimehin was formerly registered at Isalu/Jigbokin Ward in Idanre Local Government, where he was always beaten silly during elections. He has now relocated to Ofosu/Onisherere ward where he was beaten again during the last National Assembly elections.

“To assume that, the PDP is grounded in Ondo State is nothing but fool hardiness, the truth is that, APC as a political party has been the architect of Nigeria’s economic and political woes in the last eight years.”

Alex Kalejaye, APC spokesman responds that ” The recent outburst of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State deserves sympathy from all, including the ruling All Progressives Congress, which the opposition party ignorantly attacked. However, there is the need to educate the ailing group, led by Mr. Fatai Adams.

“It is unbelievable that the opposition party could accuse the APC-led government of “grounding the state in six years”. The party further alleged that the ruling party has crippled the health and education sectors.

“We concede the right to mourn to the opposition party, after losing political giants like Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu, and his team, but twisting facts smacks of political frustration.

“The APC wishes to remind the good people of Ondo State that the ruling party inherited a dilapidated economy, six years ago. As at the time, it was impossible to pay salaries for over seven months, and several sectors were in disarray.

“Within six years of dedication, commitment and good governance, the APC-led government has changed the narratives. All the unpaid salaries by the PDP have since been cleared by the administration of  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN.

“The thought of employing workers into ministries and departments was alien to the PDP led government, for eight years. The APC government has so far employed thousands of workers, to boost the existing workforce and enhance the effectiveness of various government organs. Unlike in the days of PDP, they are enjoying regular payment of salaries.

“The APC government inherited poorly funded State Universities. The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, was the worst hit by the criminal neglect by the PDP administration. The institutions are healthy today, with regular funding.

“Ours is the only State in the South West zone without a teaching hospital. The APC-led government has taken the bold step to remedy the situation: building two teaching hospitals simultaneously. The projects are almost completed.

“The state chapter celebrates the arrival of Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu, a lawyer and former formidable candidate of the PDP for Akure South/North Federal Constituency, Hon. Bode Obanla, Dr. Kolawole Joseph, and the entire political family of the late Hon. Omolafe Adedayo (Expensive) into our fold.

“They are enviable political assets any day, and will add value to the the ruling party.

“The Ondo State APC, under the chairmanship of Ade Adetimehin, has built a virile chapter, that is appealing, not only to the active players in the PDP, but other political parties.

“One would have expected the struggling PDP to seek out the magic wand of the Idanre-born political tactician, instead of hurling insults, wailing and kicking.

“We appeal to the PDP to demonstrate maturity in handling the loss. We further assure that our doors will remain open for those willing to join hands with us, in our selfless drive to build a more economically prosperous Sunshine State.”