The APC Youths Vanguard has taken a swipe at Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, over what it described as a discriminatory distribution of Christmas rice palliatives, accusing him of rewarding only perceived loyalists, while praising the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, for carrying along all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator and Publicity Secretary, Lawrence Ajewole, and made available to journalists, the group said Governor Aiyedatiwa turned what should have been a season of love and unity into “a loyalty test,” by allegedly restricting the distribution of Christmas rice to only a handful of APC members perceived to be his loyalists.
According to the group, the governor’s action exposed “the quality of leadership he possesses,” describing it as narrow, intolerant and unbecoming of a man occupying such an exalted office.
“While other leaders were busy uniting the party, Governor Aiyedatiwa was allegedly busy counting who bowed low enough to qualify for a bag of rice,. “This is not leadership; this is divisive and vindictive politics taken to an embarrassing level, “ the statement said.
The APC Youths Vanguard, however, praised the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, for what it called “true, mature and all-embracing leadership” during the Christmas season.
According to information available to the group, Tunji-Ojo distributed 20 bags of 50kg rice to each of the 203 wards in Ondo State, in addition to N500,000 per ward to support Christmas celebrations, without discrimination or political labeling.
“That is how leaders behave. Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo carried along all APC members across the state, irrespective of faction, loyalty or past political differences. He understands that leadership is about inclusion, not exclusion.” the group stated.
The group said the discrepancy between the two leaders was “as clear as daylight,” noting that while one was allegedly playing divisive politics, the other was quietly providing stability and hope for party members.
Mocking the governor further, the group said Aiyedatiwa must realise that his position goes beyond party scheming and personal grudges.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa should understand that his leadership is beyond party level. But with the manner he has showcased his so-called leadership, it is clear that someone like him should not be seen anywhere near a leadership position.” the group satted
The APC Youths Vanguard warned that but for the intervention and inclusive leadership of the Minister of Interior, many APC members would have been pushed out of the party.
“If not for Hon. Tunji-Ojo, who provided alternative leadership and a sense of belonging for APC members, many would have defected to the ADC, or even to the sinking ship of the PDP,” the group declared.
The group urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to take a cue from the Minister of Interior, stressing that politics of exclusion and vengeance has no place in a party seeking unity and electoral success.
“Rice politics may win applause from a few loyalists, but inclusive leadership is what wins elections and sustains a party,” the group added.
