By Sade Adewale
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter, has dismissed as misleading and baseless a recent publication alleging irregularities in the proposed $50 billion Sunshine Free Trade Zone and Refinery Project, describing the report as “false alarm built on fiction rather than fact.”
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the party said the misinformation being circulated was the handiwork of individuals bent on discrediting a landmark initiative capable of transforming the state’s economy.
According to the APC, contrary to insinuations that the project would impose a financial burden on the state, the investment is entirely private-sector–driven, with investors providing the funding and assuming all financial risks. The only contribution from the state government, it clarified, is the provision of land a globally accepted practice for projects of such scale.
“The Ondo State Government is not committing taxpayers’ money to this project. The question of any financial burden on the state or its citizens simply does not arise,” the statement read.
The party faulted the author of the controversial publication for failing to verify claims with either the government or the investors, describing the report as “irresponsible journalism masquerading as analysis.”
The APC commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his transparency and foresight in creating an enabling environment for industrial development, job creation, and economic diversification in Ondo State.
It noted that the governor’s investment drive represents a bold effort to reduce dependence on federal allocations and open new frontiers of growth.
The statement also drew parallels with the state’s past missed opportunity to host the Dangote Refinery, blaming the loss on “public doubt and unnecessary bureaucracy,” and warning against a repeat of such skepticism.
“If credible investors are ready to commit their resources to industrialise our state, this should be a matter of celebration, not suspicion,” the party emphasised.
The APC urged citizens to disregard unfounded reports and instead rally behind the governor’s vision of sustainable development, unity, and economic progress.
“Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and cynicism. It requires bold leadership, open-mindedness, and collective support,” the statement concluded.