The political temperature in Ondo State has risen, following a call by the Peoples Democratic Party for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state, due to what it described as an alarming spate of insecurity.

In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, the PDP, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Leye Igbagbo, accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing in his constitutional duty to protect lives and property, citing recent killings and alleged inaction by the government.

The opposition party claimed that over 50 people had been killed in recent attacks across the state without any meaningful response or arrests.

The All Progressives Congress, however, dismissed the PDP’s claims as politically motivated and lacking substance.

Responding on behalf of the party, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, described the opposition’s statement as “fabrications conjured from the pit of political bitterness.

It added that Aiyedatiwa’s administration had taken deliberate steps to address security concerns, including strengthening the Amotekun Corps and fostering community policing.

The PDP statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party, Ondo State chapter, is alarmed by the ceaseless killings of hapless residents of the state, whose main offence is that they lawfully engage in their daily activities needed to bring food to their tables.

“The party cannot in all honesty find reasons why such assailants could operate without any form of resistance for months running, in a state where there is said to be a valid government in place.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has indeed failed in his constitutional duty as enshrined in Section 14(2)b of the 1999 constitution as amended, in that he can no longer secure and protect lives and property of citizens of Ondo State.”

It added “It is heart-wrenching to note that in less than one month, about 50 persons have been gruesomely massacred in various settlements within the state.

“Sadly, no arrest or prosecution has been made since then and neither was any arrest even made of the marauding armed herdsmen who were on killing spree in the past.

“The PDP, therefore, wonders if a government still exists in Ondo State in the face of these unprovoked and unrestrained killings.”

The PDP, therefore, called the attention of the President to the unwarranted killings and the incapacitation of the government in tackling the growing menace.

“The kind attention of Mr President, under the prevailing circumstances, is to prepare him to consider the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in Ondo State, if the state government continues to demonstrate a lack of capacity to halt the senseless killings before the state, nay the whole southwest is turned to slaughter-house for incessant spilling of the blood of innocent souls,” it concluded.

The APC, in its defence, however, said Aiyedatiwa was doing its best to ensure the safety of residents.

The statement read, “The PDP’s allegations of collusion and alleged alliances involving Governor Aiyedatiwa are nothing short of fabrications, conjured from the pit of political bitterness and desperation.

“Such claims are not only unfounded but also reflect a profound misunderstanding of the governor’s dedication to his constitutional obligations.

“It is lamentable that the PDP, in its quest for relevance, chooses to peddle lies that serve only to sow discord and panic among the populace.”

The party defended the administration, stating that it implemented a multi-faceted approach through the Amotekun Neighbourhood Watch, which has been instrumental in fostering community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.

“This initiative is not merely a stopgap measure; it is a proactive strategy designed to engage citizens in the collective responsibility of ensuring their safety.

“The governor has been resolute in his commitment to bolster these efforts, ensuring that Ondo State remains a bastion of peace and security,” it added.

The APC called on the PDP to embrace a more constructive approach to opposition, one that prioritised the welfare of the citizens over political point-scoring.

“The role of an opposition party should be to provide thoughtful critique and contribute to solutions, rather than to fan the flames of panic and discord.

“The people of Ondo State deserve better than the petty squabbles and sensationalism that the PDP has resorted to,” it added.

Credit: punchng.com

Ondo APC slams PDP over calls for emergency rule

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