Ondo: PDP alleges APC plans to fund Amotekun with workers’ salaries

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo has alleged that the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration plans to deduct workers’ salaries to fund Amotekun, the security outfit of the state government.

The PDP, in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, which was made available to journalists in Akure on Monday, said, “Rotimi Akeredolu has perfected plans to deduct from source, salaries of Ondo State workers purportedly to fund the state’s security network, popularly known as Amotekun.”

“This evil plan is not unconnected with accolades the governor had received from some quarters for his efforts at confronting herdsmen menace in the state through the Amotekun Corps. As much as we are still unable to sleep with our two eyes closed, the governor has been sunning himself in the vainglory of a conqueror and is about to stretch his luck too far.

“Ondo State workers are the most pauperised and traumatised in Southwest Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing state. Salaries are not paid as and when due, and when paid at all, only fractions are paid. As of the last count, some workers received November 2021 salary in April 2022. This in itself is bad enough. Yet, Mr. Governor can have the audacity and effrontery to contemplate increasing the agony experienced by workers in the state.

“A circular stating how much is to be deducted from all grade levels showed clearly that, the governor is insensitive to the suffering of workers. That the workers have been reduced to beggars to meet their daily needs means nothing to the governor as long as his millions in security vote is first charge from the monthly allocation to the state.”

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In a swift reaction to the allegation, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu urged members of the public to disregard the PDP, saying “there are no plans to deduct workers’ salaries and clearly no circular was issued to that effect.

Akeredolu, who spoke through his chief press secretary, Richard Olatunde said, “The allegation of planned salary deduction is imaginary. It is an embarrassing falsehood fabricated by a party whose penchant for lies is legendary.

“Obviously, the workers in the state through the organised labour have shown commitment and support for Amotekun. The workers in their wisdom have voluntarily supported the state security network “Amotekun” with the donation of 30 motorcycles. The government was grateful to receive this generous donation.

“The PDP must have a heinous plot with its frequent attack on the progress and successes of the Amotekun Corps. One would have expected that matters of security should cut across board irrespective of political differences.

“The PDP takes delight in playing politics with the lives of the people. Its endless fabrication of falsehood to halt the success of Amotekun or discourage well-meaning individuals from supporting the security network is mind-boggling.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the government of Ondo State under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare.”