Mr Peter Olagookun, former spokesman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ondo State, has commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for political appointments and infrastructural development in the state.
Olagookun, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, said the governor’s recent appointment of more than 1,000 political aides and ongoing infrastructure projects should attract constructive assessment rather than criticism.
The governor, on Aug. 20, appointed 1,003 political appointees, comprising one commissioner nominee, three Special Advisers, 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants.
“The appointments were drawn from communities across the state, so political differences should not prevent members of the same political party from recognising developments beneficial to the state.
“Why would some people in All Progressives Congress (APC) turn themselves into opposition within their own party simply because they have differences with the governor?
“When a governor does something that deserves commendation, it should be acknowledged, irrespective of political differences,” he said.
Olagookun recalled that Aiyedatiwa appointed political aides in 2024, which benefitted some of those currently criticising the latest appointments.
The former chairman described the governor’s approach to political appointments as an indication of his willingness to accommodate different interests within the state.
Olagookun noted that the 2026 budget in the state provided for major capital projects, including the rehabilitation and construction of 250 kilometres of major roads.
According to him, another project in the budget is the 400 kilometres of rural roads under the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
“We also have the ongoing construction of the 2.38-kilometre Akure flyover as one of the projects meant for the betterment of the state.
“This administration’s infrastructure agenda should be assessed on the basis of the projects being delivered and their potential impact on residents.
“The new appointees should use their positions to contribute to effective governance and grassroots engagement across the state,” he said.