Activists slam state’s worsening deteriorating condition
Ondo Redemption Front has decried insecurity in the state. The group, in a statement by its Chair, Ayodeji Ologun, Co-Chair, Mogbojuri Kayode, and Secretary, Adedotun Ajulo, said security has deteriorated
Ondo Redemption Front has decried insecurity in the state.
The group, in a statement by its Chair, Ayodeji Ologun, Co-Chair, Mogbojuri Kayode, and Secretary, Adedotun Ajulo, said security has deteriorated in this administration.
It said: “Kidnapping has become rampant. Farmers can no longer access their farms safely, travellers live in fear on highways, and rural dwellers are subjected to constant threats from criminal elements.
“The government’s response has been largely reactive, incoherent, and ineffective, leaving citizens to fend for themselves.
“In the health sector, the story is depressing. Public hospitals and health centres have been reduced to shadows of what they ought to be.
“Facilities are inadequate, personnel are overstretched and demoralised, and essential services inaccessible to many.
“For a government that speaks of our ease and people-centred governance, the reality of healthcare delivery in the state tells a different story.
“Welfare of workers and citizens has also been treated with levity. While states have adjusted workers’ wages following the new wage regime, the state continues to lag behind.
“Nowhere is this more glaring than in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, where staff are reportedly subjected to wages as low as N18,000 at a time even states that have not fully adopted N77,000 benchmark have reviewed wages upward from N18,000 to N33,000.
“Corruption and misappropriation compounds the hardship of workers and undermines confidence in the state’s commitment to education and human capital development.
“Education is plagued by unrest and uncertainty. Students of School of Health Technology, Akure, protested poor conditions, while academic and non-academic staff in institutions remain dissatisfied.’’
“Judicial workers and health workers have downed tools, reflecting systemic neglect. Ondo is a theatre of protests, pointing to a government that fail to listen, engage, and act responsibly.’’
“The much-publicised programme of events marking the so-called first anniversary of the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa further exposes the poverty of vision and achievement.
“Projects lined up for commissioning are largely rehabilitations, extensions, boreholes, and routine interventions that, at best, fall within the responsibilities of local governments.
“The commissioning of community roads, isolated boreholes, basic health centres, and flags-off ceremonies for projects that should have been completed long ago cannot reasonably be presented as evidence of transformative governance.
“It is particularly embarrassing that a State which could not commission a single landmark project during its 50th anniversary is now parading routine administrative duties as major achievements.”
In light of the foregoing, Ondo Redemption Front demands in the interest of accountability, good governance, and the welfare of the people that the state government must immediately clarify the tenure of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and stop the deliberate misrepresentation of his time in office. Governance must be anchored on truth, not political convenience.
“The government must declare a state-wide security emergency and present a clear, time-bound security strategy to address the escalating incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes across the state. Communities deserve protection, not excuses.
“Immediate and visible investment must be made in public healthcare facilities, including the upgrade of equipment, recruitment of qualified personnel, and improved welfare for health workers to prevent further collapse of the health system.
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“The Ondo State Government must urgently resolve all outstanding labour and welfare issues, including the full implementation of the new minimum wage or a reasonable upward review in line with national standards, with particular attention to tertiary institutions such as Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
“An independent and transparent investigation must be conducted into allegations of corruption, financial misappropriation, and maladministration at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, with findings made public and all culpable individuals held accountable.
“The government must end the culture of endless acting appointments in public institutions and immediately commence transparent processes for substantive appointments in line with existing laws and regulations.
“The Ondo State Government must demonstrate genuine commitment to local government and judicial autonomy by implementing constitutional provisions that guarantee financial and administrative independence, rather than maintaining centralised control that stifles development and justice.
“The government must publicly acknowledge and take responsibility for the loss of lives during the recent political violence in Ondo State, compensate affected families, and ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Finally, public funds must be redirected from cosmetic celebrations and repetitive commissioning of minor projects toward impactful, people-centered development projects that reflect the scale, status, and aspirations of Ondo State.”
