Ondo Governorship Candidates Clash During Debate, Make Case For Good Governace

Security, economy, education, energy, and workers’ welfare were the main topics at the governorship debate in Akure, Ondo State on Sunday.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Agboola Ajayi debated for two hours, discussing their proposed policies and programs for the state.

Apart from presenting their plans, the candidates also exchanged criticisms and accusations during the intense debate.

Mocking laughter was frequently heard among adversaries at the political discussions, a trait that carried over into the debate.

The event, which commenced at 7 pm and concluded at 9 pm, was hosted by Channels Television in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the UK International Development.

Ajayi served as the deputy to the former governor Akeredolu from February 2017 to February 2021, while Aiyedatiwa was the late governor’s close associate during his incomplete second term.

Aiyedatiwa, who became governor after Akeredolu’s passing in December 2023, is now running for election as the late governor’s term ends in February 2025.

The two candidates are competing for the support of 2.053 million registered voters in the state on November 16, 2024.

The discussion on Sunday began with the security issues facing the state, including kidnapping and violent killings.

Ajayi claimed that Ondo is unsafe under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, citing repeated killings of traditional rulers and residents by violent attackers.

He also mentioned that the state security agency, Amotekun Corp, was established during his time as Akeredolu’s deputy, implying that Aiyedatiwa should not take credit for its creation.

The candidate from the PDP mentioned that the rise in insecurity occurred “while my brother is receiving N1.2bn as security votes without anything to demonstrate for it”.

Aiyedatiwa, on the other hand, stated that the kidnappings and murders occurred when Ajayi was deputy governor and not currently.

He claimed the attacks mentioned by Ajayi are “unavoidable attacks that have also occurred in the United States”.

Aiyedatiwa dismissed the figure provided by Ajayi for security votes as “political falsehoods from the depths of hell”.

The governor stated that he did not receive N1.2bn as monthly security allocation but refrained from disclosing the actual amount due to security concerns.

Aiyedatiwa expressed his support for the establishment of state police in Ondo State and highlighted the Amotekun as a preliminary model.

He outlined plans to strengthen the Amotekun Corps for improved effectiveness.

Forest rangers were deployed to address incursions at border communities, to which Ajayi noted that incidents of killings and kidnappings persist, including as recent as “last week.”

The PDP candidate emphasized the importance of addressing unemployment through job creation in order to address the issue of insecurity.

“Ensure that everyone is occupied, and they will grant you the freedom to fulfill your responsibilities,” Ajayi informed his rival. “As the governor of Ondo State, Ajayi stated that he will ensure the arrest of all criminals,” he said.

Ajayi also mentioned his plans to enhance the Amotekun Corp with modern equipment, similar to what Aiyedatiwa proposed, to keep up with current standards.

Agboola stated that the attire should not be used for electoral purposes, according to him.

The next part of the debate focused on how both candidates intend to boost the economy of the Southwest state, with a particular emphasis on adding value to key cash crops like Cocoa and palm.

Ajayi started the discussion by criticizing the governor for not promoting economic development in the state.

The PDP candidate mentioned that there are no active oil factories in Ondo, stating plans to set up cocoa processing plants and boost cash crop exports if elected governor of the state.

Ajayi also pledged to create a regulatory body to collaborate with the Federal Government in safeguarding the environment from artisanal mining.

On the other hand, Aiyedatiwa rejected his opponent’s statements, he stated that economic investments are occurring, suggesting that those who do not share his perspective may not be fully informed.

Aiyedatiwa highlighted that certain agricultural activities are managed by the private sector, not the government.

He expressed confidence in his administration’s economic management of the state.

“Since I took over, we have not borrowed and we do not have any need to borrow,” he stated, crediting his effective management of the state’s finances.

Aiyedatiwa explained that with the removal of subsidies, state governors are receiving more funds, which are being used to address hardships.

Ajayi acknowledged that borrowing for development is not necessarily bad, but noted that the governor has not initiated any projects despite receiving substantial funds.

The PDP candidate proposed raising civil servants’ wages to N76,000, surpassing the governor’s N73,000 minimum wage offer.

Following a two-hour exchange, the candidates shared an embrace in a display of sportsmanship.

The real electoral contest is scheduled for November 16, 2024, when the state’s residents will select their next governor.