Akeredolu Not Going Back to Germany, Says Aide

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Mr Richard Olatunde, has debunked a media report that the governor would be going back to Germany soon for another medical leave.

The CPS described the report as wicked and misleading, alleging that the report was the handiwork of some mischief makers in the state.

Olatunde stated this in a statement he issued in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the report was concocted and planted by some politicians who were still nursing the pains of defeated expectations.

The statement read: “The story making the rounds is baseless, unfounded and only a figment of the imagination of evil-minded politicians. For us, we are committed to addressing the genuine concerns of the people of the state. This is why development is prioritized under the Akeredolu administration.

“Governance is not about showbiz where the governor embarks on fashion parades at the market square to announce his presence in the state. We understand the importance of development as the major driver of a peaceful, thriving and egalitarian society.

“Governor Akeredolu’s administration has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the state’s progress. Recently, he approved the recruitment of medical professionals and healthcare workers in a demonstration of our commitment to enhancing the state’s healthcare system.

“The governor has also signed the 2023 Appropriation Bill for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission into law, following its passage by the state House of Assembly. This is a significant step towards advancing the development of the oil-producing area.”

Olatunde further stated the absence of the governor had not stopped the administration as many developmental projects were still on-going across the state

“We are proud to report that work is progressing rapidly on the construction of a 250-bed University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital in Akure and Ondo Town. The construction of the Akure flyover at Onyarubulem/Shagari Junction is also ongoing and we are making steady progress.

“To boost revenue generation, Governor Akeredolu has approved the fresh recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, modern tax stations are being constructed in Ondo and Ikare, along with a Revenue court in Akure. These projects are already in progress.

“We value the welfare of our workers, and as such, Governor Akeredolu recently approved the payment of outstanding leave bonuses. Salaries for workers in the state have been paid up to date. Contrary to the claims made by the opposition, Governor Akeredolu is diligently fulfilling his duties. Activities are ongoing in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and the governor is actively engaged in addressing state matters”, he said.

Olatunde urged members of the public to disregard false news and not be swayed by the lies and misleading information spread by those with ulterior motives.

“Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to serving the people of Ondo State and driving progress in our great state,” the governor’s aide stressed.

Akeredolu had been in his personal residence in Ibadan after returning to the country from Germany, adding this had been generating reactions from some quarters in the state.

Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party had on Monday staged a protest at the secretariat of the party, demanding Akerdolu either resign or return to the state.

The opposition party also issued a 3-day ultimatum to the governor.