NB247
The Ondo State Government says there are attempts by certain individuals parading themselves as legal practitioners to blackmail the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his administration.
A statement by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, on Saturday, noted that the state government has observed a coordinated campaign of blackmail, cyber bullying, and misinformation being orchestrated by a handful of individuals — including two certain legal practitioners, targeted at the State Government, the Governor, and senior officials.
The statement said the latest attack represents a continuation of malicious behavior by the individuals whose grievance stems from their failed attempts to secure political appointments, contracts, or financial benefits from the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
“When their self-serving demands were rejected, in line with the administration’s firm commitment to transparency and accountability, they resorted to calculated acts of blackmail and character assassination,” the statement said, without mentioning the names of the individuals.
“Recently, these individuals demanded a staggering sum of ₦200 million under the guise of ‘support’ for the Governor through a fraudulent, unregistered organization. Upon the Government’s refusal to succumb to this extortion, they launched a wave of coordinated social media attacks aimed at discrediting the Governor and the Honourable Attorney General of Ondo State with baseless accusations and ridicule.
“Let it be made abundantly clear: these actions are not borne out of patriotism or civic engagement but are deliberate attempts to destabilize and distract a government focused on service delivery and people-oriented development.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has shut its doors firmly against political opportunists, rent-seekers, and blackmailers who see governance as a means of personal enrichment.
“The Ondo State Government remains open to constructive criticism rooted in facts, respect, and good conscience. However, it will not tolerate deliberate misinformation, cyber harassment, and blackmail disguised as activism.”
The statement further asserted that under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the government stands resolute in its pursuit of good governance, transparency, and accountability.
“Our democratic principles are intact and unshaken. No amount of propaganda will deter our commitment to building a prosperous and stable Ondo State,” the statement further read.
“We issue a stern warning to those behind these coordinated attacks: the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any individual or group found guilty of spreading falsehoods, engaging in extortion, or attempting to blackmail public officials.
“Such actions constitute serious offences under the Cybercrime Act and related laws.
“Ondo State belongs to all of us. The Aiyedatiwa administration will not allow a few desperate individuals to tarnish the reputation of the State and undermine its progress. Enough is enough.
“We will continue to defend truth, uphold integrity, and protect the image of our dear Sunshine State from the forces of deceit and political desperation.”