The Ondo State Government has denied claims suggesting a freeze on local government accounts and the dismissal of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s Chief of Protocol.
In a statement issued today, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, labelled these reports as “false and misleading.”
The statement said that “at no time has the Acting Governor or any functionary of the state put a freeze on local government accounts or ordered any closure.”
Instead, the statement said the government is committed to “the proper functioning of the new thirty-three LCDAs(s) and the existing 18 Local Government Area in the state as a way of enhancing development at the grassroots.”
Furthermore, Ademola-Olateju addressed the alleged sacking of Mr. Bola Alabi, the Governor’s Chief of Protocol.
“Nothing could be farther from the truth. The Chief of Protocol to Mr Governor has not been placed on suspension by the Ag. Governor nor by any person.
“It should be noted that the schedule for the preparation of Mr. Governor’s Engagements is less than two per cent of the CoP’s responsibilities.
“Usually, suspension from duty would have warranted removal of salary and privileges, which does not happen in this case. As we speak, Mr. Bola Alabi is busy with Mr. Governor.”
“Nevertheless, His Excellency, the Ag. Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is prepared, where necessary, to make changes that would guarantee the effective running of the administration.
“Again, the public is implored to always confirm the veracity of every piece of information/news in respect of the Ondo State Government from appropriate quarters before dissemination,” she said.
