- Decry Lack of Accountability in APC Government
- Slam Ondo State Assembly , Label Akpabio Led National Assembly as Rubber Stamp
- Accuse Afenifere of allegedly being on the government payroll
Stakeholders in Ondo State have expressed deep concern over the apparent absence of criticism directed at the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, both at the state and national levels. This collective frustration was articulated by various leaders, including traditional rulers, political figures, and conscientious citizens, who are calling for greater accountability from the government regarding its actions and inactions.
In separate interviews with Starnews NG, conducted under the condition of anonymity, these stakeholders accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of neglecting key projects inherited from his predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, without any significant outcry from the public or political leaders.
“A government-owned hospital in Akure has been reduced to a mere consulting clinic, yet our leaders remain silent,” lamented one traditional ruler, highlighting the failure to address critical healthcare issues.
A prominent APC leader in the state voiced concerns about the political landscape, suggesting that many politicians are effectively jobless and unwilling to challenge the governor’s directives, even when they conflict with their own beliefs. “Many survive on government handouts, which stifles their ability to hold the administration accountable,” he explained.
Reflecting on past political activism, he noted, “In the days of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group would have demanded transparency on project costs and timelines.” However, he criticise current Afenifere leaders for allegedly being on the government payroll, which he believes has silenced truthful discourse about governance.
Another traditional ruler expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency regarding state funds, including allocations from the federation account and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He lamented the failure of the Ondo State House of Assembly to serve as an effective check on the executive branch, stating, “The political atmosphere has compromised their role.”
“The judicial system has also succumbed to political pressures,” he added, expressing disappointment that judges no longer uphold justice impartially. “Judges today seem to operate under the influence of politicians, which is disheartening,” he said.
A former governorship aspirant from the APC offered his perspective on the broader political climate, asserting that Nigeria is increasingly resembling a one-party system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “This trend is detrimental to our democracy,” he warned. He criticised the Tinubu administration for its adeptness at silencing dissent and consolidating power among opposition leaders.
“The president is a political strategist, skilled at neutralising critics without direct confrontation. His influence extends into opposition parties, with many journalists and civil rights groups reportedly on the government’s payroll,” he stated.
He further criticised the current National Assembly, calling it the “worst in history” and merely a “rubber stamp” for the executive branch. “Unless a miracle occurs before the 2027 elections, it appears that the APC will continue to dominate, reflecting a similar situation across various states,” he concluded, emphasising the urgency of addressing these critical issues.
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