Ondo gov’ship: PDP candidate, Aiyedatiwa clash over security vote

Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, has promised to redirect the N1.2 billion monthly security vote, allegedly collected by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, towards youth employment if elected. Ajayi made this pledge during his campaign tour of Iju, Ita-Ogbolu, Imafon, Oba-Ile, Ala, Igoba, and other […]

Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, has promised to redirect the N1.2 billion monthly security vote, allegedly collected by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, towards youth employment if elected.

Ajayi made this pledge during his campaign tour of Iju, Ita-Ogbolu, Imafon, Oba-Ile, Ala, Igoba, and other communities in Akure North Local Government Area. He argued that reducing the security vote and investing in employment would help lower crime rates among the youth.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is collecting N1.2 billion monthly for security. I don’t need that much for security. I will take about N600 million from it to create jobs. When youths are employed, crime will reduce,” Ajayi said.

He also promised to bolster the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, to ensure the safety of citizens across the state. Ajayi assured voters that if elected, his administration would rid the state of criminals, especially those hiding in forest reserves and farmlands.

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In response, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, dismissed Ajayi’s comments as political rhetoric. 

Adeniyan noted that the government has significantly improved security by equipping security agencies, particularly the Amotekun Corps, with gadgets and vehicles. 

He highlighted the recent creation of a forest rangers’ unit to combat kidnapping and harassment of farmers in the state.