Ondo State Elders and Leaders have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of law and order.
The Elders and Leaders also called on the state and national leaderships of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress(APC), to provide the required guide to those in government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold.
In a letter sent to the President, which was signed by the convener, Pa Reuben Fasontanti, and the secretary, Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello, said there should be no impeachment of the Governor nor the Deputy Governor by the State House of Assembly.
According to the elders, “All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find a lasting solution to the current crisis.”
While calling for prayers for the improved health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the elders noted that without doubt, his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the State.
The elders observed some of the challenges faced by the state which include; “the misinformation of the governor and lack of communication between the governor and his deputy, have resulted in the inability of the deputy governor to perform constitutional duties on behalf of the governor, for the good governance of the State;
“Roles currently being played by the State Legislature in the absence of the Governor; Failure of the National Ruling Party and the Executive Arm of Government to nip the matter in the bud before the escalation of the crisis despite the laudable efforts made.
“Efforts already made and being made by some individuals, elders/leaders to mitigate the crisis; Apparent confusion and helplessness of Civil/Public Servants in the State in the absence of appropriate and delineated directives;
“Feeling of the hopelessness of the citizens of Ondo State in not enjoying continually, the expected dividends of democracy and good governance; Current utter disrespect for the Rule of Law in Ondo State whereby self-serving persons have taken over the government without due regard to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in National affairs due to the lingering crisis; Foreseeable problems of late preparation of the 2024 Budget by the Executive Arm for the customary timely presentation to the State House of Assembly. ”
The Elders, however, urged the stakeholders in the state to follow the rule of law as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
