THE CONTROVERSY ON THE USE OF DEMOCRACY PARK:
CLARIFICATION BY THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
I wish to clarify the controversy surrounding the use of the Democracy Park by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to flag – off their campaigns slated to hold on Tuesday, 15th October, 2024.
The simple point to be made remains that the PDP was never denied the use of the Democracy Park for its rally or any event, rather the PDP did not get approval for the use of the facility for its proposed date simply because the same center had been approved for another group which had applied since october 9th 2024 , earlier than the PDP, for the use on 15th October 2024.
Facts are sacred and must not be traded on the alter of politics, bigotry or unneccesary manipulation for unwholesome sympathy.
1. The Democracy Park is a facility managed on behalf of the State Government by the Ministry of Transport and is approved for use to both private and public either corporate/organizations or individuals on the basis of first come, first served, without sentiments.
2. The PDP submitted its application for the use of the Democracy Park ONLY on Friday, 11th October, 2024 for their flag – off campaigns slated for Tuesday, 15th October, 2024 (3 days interval), whereas other interested groups had applied since october 9th 2024 (5 days interval)
3. It is important to stress that the PDP’s application was erroneously addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry instead of the Special Adviser who is not just the political head but also the approving authority.
4. Needless emphasising the administrative implication of wrong presentation, being loss of speed and ease of attention.
5. The Permanent Secretary did his job, timeously and responsibly by, within hours of receipt, drawing the attention of PDP to this and advising for representation for an expeditious attention.
6. Upon treatment, the PDP’s application was refused for its15th because the facility had been approved for another group which had applied since October the 2nd 2024.
7. The Democracy Park was approved for the use of the other clients based on proper processing and recommendation by competent officers who followed established protocols.
8. The information was immediately conveyed to the PDP with the inherent implications being for it to adjust its date to any other available option and seek authorisation, accordingly.
The Ministry makes this clarrification to clear the air on the mischief, manipulation of fact and debasement of value being sponsored by the PDP in the media.
It is personally saddening to me that the PDP haven’t been in charge of government of Ondo state for a cumulative period of 14 years, suddenlly denied itself decorum and common sense by resorting to blackmail, untruths and illogical reasoning in order to attract a non existent sentiment.
The Ministry of Transport will continue to do its job in service of Ondo state, diligently and efficiently. It has a time tested resistance to blackmail and pressure by unscrupulous individuals or groups who seek, to miscarry justice and fairness. Would it have been fair to deny the earlier applicants the use of Democracy park in favour of the PDP?
Indeed, those who seek the hands of the public in a romance of confidence must come out with clean hands and hearts immune to hypocrisy.
The PDP is advised to obey the rules and regulations of public sector governance and be above par with probity and honesty, at all times.
E-Signed:
Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole
Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport.
14th October,2024.
