Amid claims that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has plans to hand over Ondo’s forest reserve management to a firm linked to his son, Babajide, the Ondo government has raised the alarm over a grand plot to blackmail Mr Rotimi, his immediate family, and the administration.

Commissioner for information and Orientation Donald Ojogo said the planned smear campaign targeted the governor’s family.

“It has come to our notice that some unscrupulous individuals have perfected plans to blackmail the Akeredolu administration, using the first family as a target of their smear campaign,” stated Mr Ojogo. “The plan, which was hatched and orchestrated by these individuals, particularly, targeted the governor’s son, Babajide Akeredolu, on allegations of high-handedness and interference with serious government decisions, especially as it relates to the economic activities at the government reserves.”

Mr Ojogo added, “Succinctly, the purveyors of this heinous plot have perfected plans to lie against the governor and his son of attempting to take over the management of the forest reserves so as to corner the resources for personal gains.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Akeredolu handles the business of government with utmost respect and accountability. The government decision to ban all logging activities and subsequent lifting of the ban are all in the interest of the state. It is not only laughable but preposterous for any disgruntled group to suggest that Governor Akeredolu’s son is planning to man the ministry of natural resources for personal gains.”

Mr Ojogo urged the public to disregard the lies being peddled around by bad losers whose aim is to distract the governor from running the state.

A group, Ondo State Concerned Timber Merchants (OSCTIM), in a statement issued and signed on Sunday by its coordinator, Olawale Idris, had accused Mr Akeredolu of planning to hand over the forest reserve to a consultant company linked to his son.

(NAN)