With about 10 weeks until the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appointed no fewer than 344 political aides in the state.
The aides comprise 28 senior special assistants and 316 special assistants.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the appointments were spread across the 18 local government areas, 33 local council development areas (LCDAs), and 203 political wards in the state.
In a press statement issued by the CPS, he said, “In continuation of efforts to enhance governance and service delivery to the people of the state, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of new Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).”
Meanwhile, a Public Affairs Analyst in the State, Olujimi Adekanle, has berated the governor over the appointments, describing them as unnecessary and a misdirection.
“Who are those responsible for the SSAs and SAs appointments in Ondo State? I am very sure Mr. Governor was misled; tails were given heads and heads were given tails. I saw some personalities who were eminently qualified to be senior special assistants but were relegated to just special assistants.
“Honestly, I don’t understand the yardstick for these appointments; some people should be respected for their political activities and the offices they held in the past.
“Don’t be surprised if you see scores of newly appointees declining their appointments (hunger may not allow some).”
Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints 344 aides, 10 weeks to Ondo guber election