Akeredolu: 'My deputy is a greedy man who lacks contentment'

Ajayi and Akeredolu have endured a frosty relationship for quite some time.

In June, Ajayi dumped Akeredolu's APC as their relationship tanked, and made the switch to the PDP.

Ajayi has since found solace with the ZLP after he was denied the governorship ticket on the platform of the PDP.

Speaking during a radio programme on Alalaye FM in Akure, the Ondo state capital, Akeredolu said he paid his deputy N13 million monthly as running grant; which he says makes Ajayi the highest paid deputy governor in Nigeria.

The governor said Ajayi was granted unfettered access to all state properties and to his office, stating that two ministries were given to Ajayi to manage but the deputy governor was never satisfied.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Agboola Ajayi fell out before electioneering campaigns (SaharaReporters) Pulse Nigeria

"Agboola Ajayi is the highest paid deputy governor in Nigeria as I speak. He earns more than the deputy governor of Lagos. He earns over N13 million monthly as running grants for his office.

"Ajayi is just a greedy man that lacks contentment. I gave him a free hand to perform as a deputy governor. I gave him two ministries to run. He constructed roads. He built a number of schools. His wife also built a number of schools. The list is endless.

"Ajayi enjoyed more benefits than his predecessors as a deputy governor but was only greedy. He had a free access to all state properties. He had a free access to me and all documents.

"He was even nick-named Arakunrin Kekere. So, a man that would betray you would betray you no matter how you treat him. I have left Ajayi to God and posterity to judge him," Akeredolu added.

Money found in Zenith account

Shedding more light on the N4.3 billion discovered in a secret Zenith Bank account, Akeredolu said contrary to the position of the opposition, the money was found in a dormant account--one where no interest accrued to the state government.

He however disclosed that he has petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to find out why no interest was being paid on the fund.

"The recovered N4.3 billion Naira was discovered in a Zenith Bank account. When the bank was asked to release the fund, they said the account was already dormant. The money was in a current account and not a fixed deposit account.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu clinches APC ticket to run for 2nd term. [9newsng] Pulse Nigeria

"So, the bank didn’t pay any interest on the money. But we are currently talking to the CBN about getting something out. The recovered money has been accounted for in the budget. It wasn’t stolen. It has been accounted for. Those saying the money was stolen are merely playing politics," the governor stated.

Re-election plans

Akeredolu added his re-election will afford him an opportunity to complete the projects he commenced to drive the state towards the path of industrialisation.

He disclosed that the Ondo-Linyin industrial hub at Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, is a joint ownership between the state government and the Chinese company.

"Today, by the grace of God, there are about 10 industries at the Ondo-Linyi industrial hub. There is a textile industry, cassava to ethanol, production of MDF, HDF plant, production of plywood, truck assembly plant and others. These industries have employed over 4,000 people. We made it happen within four years.

"Business activities have increased in Ore. Farmers sell their cassava to the ethanol plant at a higher price. There is still another industrial hub at Ore.

Agboola Ajayi joined the PDP on Sunday, June 21, 2020 (PMNews) Pulse Nigeria

"There are about five companies that have gone there to start up businesses. Denki, a company that produces electric wires, is currently at the Ore hub. I really mean business. I want to leave an Ondo State that will pay salary to her workers without relying on federal allocation. We can make it possible," Akeredolu said.

On infrastructure development, Akeredolu said: "my administration has constructed more roads than my predecessors in three and a half years. I stand to be corrected. Examples are; Ore flyover, dualization projects in Akure - the dualization of Oda road, Idanre to Ijoka road, Owo road and Ikare road among others.

"Today, over 700 public primary schools have been renovated and reconstructed with perimeter fence and play ground equipment. I have built over 700 boreholes and provided water for those at the grassroots.

"My administration is working on five major dams in the state. We took a bank loan to construct the Owena Dam. It is only the reticulation that is left to be done.

"We have also repaired five dams. By the grace of God, water will soon be flowing in all taps across the state.

Ondo state Governor and APC candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu (Right) and his main contender, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples' Democratic Party. [withinnigeria] Pulse Nigeria

On Education, Akeredolu stated that his administration has successfully managed the three state-owned universities without abandoning anyone.

"The Ondo state government has three universities. By the grace of God, we have successfully managed the three universities with significant strides recorded at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH) which was abandoned by the Mimiko led-administration for 8 years.

"Equally, giant strides have been recorded at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) where courses were not accredited with no equipment until we facilitated the accreditation of over 14 courses and established a teaching hospital in both Ondo and Akure.

"A 500-bed teaching hospital in both Akure and Ondo are currently being constructed at UNIMED.

"The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko has been ranked the best state university in Nigeria for three consecutive years in the World University Ranking," the governor stated.

The Ondo governorship election holds on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

Incumbent Governor Akeredolu, 64; and 59-year-old Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP are the two major candidates in the election.

You can see the list of 17 governorship candidates contesting in the election here.