The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have tackled each other over the new appointments made by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement late Friday, Mr Aiyedatiwa announced the fresh appointment of 344 new aides (senior special assistants [SSAs] and special assistants [SAs]) into his cabinet.

The list of the political appointees released by the governor’s spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in less than three months to the state’s governorship election has generated reactions and wide condemnation.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Leye Igbabo, PDP described the governor’s action as the last kicks of a dying horse, saying only “a clueless” governor would contemplate such a decision while other governments were trying to reduce the cost of governance.

“In these times when every sensible government is trying to bring down the humongous cost of governance, only a clueless governor can contemplate such a drain pipe on taxpayers’ funds,” the party said.

“These last-minute appointments are conceived to hoodwink the appointees who have become disillusioned with a colourless and directionless stateship. It is intended to chain them to a sinking boat. They are, indeed, the last kicks of a dying horse,” it added.

The party alleged that the governor had yet to execute “tangible projects” despite the “N1 billion that has entered Ondo State under his watch in the last eight months, through federal allocations, palliatives and other bailouts.”

PDP noted that it had become apparent that Mr Aiyedatiwa was frightened of an impending failure in the upcoming governorship election, hence making efforts to save the day by doling out appointments.

“Our party counsels that the earlier the governor comes to terms with the reality of his imminent defeat in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, the better for his psychological and emotional stability after the election because the masses have now become wiser, knowing fully well, the consequences of going for the highest bidder in any elections,” the statement read.

However, in a swift reaction, the APC expressed its support for the appointment, saying it was a strategic move to drive development and progress to the state.

A statement released by the party said Mr Aiyedatiwa’s recent appointments are a fulfilment of his earlier promise to engage more people in running his government, adding value to governance, and strengthening democracy.

In the copy of the statement signed by Steve Otaloro, the party spokesperson, the APC said it was now evident that the opposition has run out of ideas and talking points to engage our party in constructive criticism and run an issue-based governorship campaign.

“These appointments are not superfluous, as claimed by the PDP, but rather a strategic move to harness the expertise and skills of Ondo State indigenes to drive development and progress.

“It is, however, laughable that the PDP, which has a track record of mismanaging resources and prioritizing selfish interests, is now crying foul over Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prudent decision to engage more hands in governance. Their criticism is a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black,” it added in the statement.