A group under the aegis of Ondo State Conscience Movement (OSCM) has urged the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, to prioritise the welfare of the Ondo people above personal interests and face governance.
The group said the governor should, as a matter of urgency, perform his duties as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and resume the governance of the state without further delay, stressing that the people of the state deserve effective leadership and not political vendetta.
It would be recalled that since the return of Governor Akeredolu to Nigeria from a medical leave, he and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, have been at loggerheads over the control of the state.
In a statement signed on Tuesday in Akure by the chairman of the group, Shalom Olaseni, also condemned the recent actions by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the State Police Command for sealing off the Ondo State secretariat of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in reaction to the party’s planned protest over the governor’s prolonged absence from office without just cause.
He added that the high-handed response to a peaceful procession infringes upon the fundamental rights of citizens and undermines the principles of democracy.
The statement reads in part: “The Ondo State Conscience Movement, a collective voice for the people of Ondo State, rises with stern resolve to condemn the actions of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his agents for interfering with the constitutional rights of the people to peaceful assembly and protest against perceived societal wrongs.
“The recent events unfolding in Ondo State have plunged the state into a grave crisis, jeopardizing good governance and the well-being of its citizens. The Ondo State House of Assembly’s recent attempt to impeach Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, followed by the swift suspension of the impeachment proceedings through a Federal High Court order, is nothing short of a proxy war that is disrupting the lives of the people.
“While the political power tussle rages on, the state is left to suffer as resources and energy that should be directed toward development are squandered on internal strife. It is evident that Governor Akeredolu’s prolonged absence from his office, allegedly due to a medical hiatus, has brought governance to a near standstill.
“During this time, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stepped into the breach and demonstrated his competence in managing the state’s affairs effectively and fairly. His actions, widely acclaimed by many, have been overshadowed by a vindictive agenda against him, with accusations of disloyalty to the Governor.
“The consequences of this ongoing power struggle have been felt throughout the state. The Deputy Governor’s meteoric rise to prominence has come at the cost of his relationship with the Governor and others within the cabinet. The state is now paying the price for these internal conflicts as governance remains stagnant, and the people bear the brunt of it.
“The Ondo State Conscience Movement urges Governor Akeredolu to prioritize the welfare of the people above personal conflicts. We call on him to return to his duties and resume the governance of the state without further delay. The people of Ondo State deserve effective leadership, not political vendetta.
“We reiterate our condemnation of the interference with constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest and the protracted governance crisis in Ondo State.
“The implications of these actions are severe, undermining the principles of democracy, and causing untold suffering to the people of Ondo State. The time for a resolution is long overdue, and we implore all parties involved to put the welfare of the state and its citizens first.”
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