Some elite in Ondo State have faulted the peace deal agreed with President Bola Tinubu by political stakeholders over the leadership imbroglio rocking the state.
The elite under the auspices of Concerned Elite of Ondo State, described the resolution reached where the president asked the unelected people to monitor elected officials “as contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The elite in a statement issued after their meeting also kicked against the resolution that the deputy governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa to sign a post-dated letter of resignation.
The speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Olamide Oladiji had said Aiyedatiwa is to submit an undated letter of resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to stop the impeachment move against him.
Oladiji said the secretary to state government (SSG), chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin are to monitor the compliance with the resolutions reached with Tinubu.
Reacting to thedevelopment, the elite in a statement signed by Dr. Olanrewaju Akeredolu and Chief Adeola Fagbayibo said the speaker goofed about the resolution read on the floor of the Assembly.
While saying that the president could not have given an order that contradicted the letter and spirit of the constitution, the elite said the issue in the state presently seems beyond ordinary with the actions demonstrated by lawmakers and executives.
According to them, “We have noticed that Mr. Speaker, for reasons known to him, deliberately twisted facts to suit a certain interest by asserting that there was no agreement to transfer power to the deputy governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following the prolonged absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,.
“While reading the major conditions of status quo put forward at the meeting – which include retaining the cabinet, Assembly leadership, and party leadership as currently constituted in the state – Mr. Speaker refused to mention that those conditions were hinged on Aiyedatiwa gaining acting governorship status.
“It is common knowledge that a deputy governor does not have the constitutional power to dissolve the state’s Executive Council. That power is vested in the Governor and can only be exercised by the Deputy Governor if he is Acting Governor.’’
