Group Raises Concerns Over Akeredolu’s Capability To Function As Ondo Gov

A socio-political group, Ondo Redemption Front (ORF), has raised the alarm over Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s capability to continue governing the state following his refusal to return to the state after he arrives Nigeria from medical vacation in Germany.

The group, which described as unfortunate, a situation whereby governance activities are being carried out from Oyo State, also said that Akeredolu’s insistence on governing the State from Ibadan might be an indication that some individuals had hijacked the government from him because of his state of health.

Addressing journalists in Akure, the state capital on Monday, the chairman of ORF, Comrade Ayodeji Ologun, and his co-chairman, Comrade Olufemi Lawson Kayode, called on the National

Assembly to intervene in the alleged impeachment process initiated by the Ondo State House of Assembly against the State’s Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

While saying the intervention of the National Assembly was necessary for the overriding interest of the people of the state and the country at large, the group berated Ondo State House of Assembly for dragging the state in the mud by embarking on a ridiculous trip to Ibadan to meet the governor before he could sign documents.

They also lambasted the State Assembly for failing to query Akeredolu’s refusal to resume his official duty post to govern the state for almost three weeks.

According to the ORF chairman, the real issue, as regards the alleged impeachment of Aiyedatiwa, was not about accountability or any misconduct.

He said, “Also, worthy of mention is the fact that since the return of Mr. Akeredolu and his refusal to resume his official duty post for the governance of the state, a situation that is causing serious apprehension in the state, the State House of Assembly has not been helping matters.

“Rather, the Ondo State House of Assembly has decided to add salt to injury by instigating violence, and anarchy and orchestrating breakdown of law and order by embarking on the unjustified and unwarranted process of impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The impeachment is at the expense of the peace, stability and the welfare of the people of Ondo State.

“Given the above stated and the contemplation of Section 11(1)(4)(5) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we hereby implore the National Assembly to call Ondo State House of Assembly to order.

“This is in the overriding interest of the people of the state and the country at large.”

But, reacting to the group’s claims, the chief press secretary to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, said the governor’s absence from the state was not hindering any form of development in the state.

Olatunde said the Governor, upon his return to the country, immediately held meetings with crucial stakeholders to discuss matters of state importance, showcasing his commitment to the state’s development irrespective of his location.

Olatunde said, “It’s noteworthy to mention that the Governor has recently signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Bill into Law. This is a progressive step towards the development of the state, further reinforcing the fact that the government is operational and effectively functioning.

“In the same vein, the various state ministries are delivering efficiently on their mandates. Specifically, the Ministry of the Budget and Economic Planning recently commenced a series of townhall meetings in preparation for the 2024 budget, demonstrating the government’s dedication to transparent and inclusive governance.

“As of this moment, construction work is in progress at the Onyarubulem-Shagari/Irese flyover, which is a significant landmark as the first flyover in Akure, the state capital, since Ondo State was created. This administration also constructed the first flyover in the state at Ore, further emphasising its commitment to infrastructural development.

“The Governor has continually expressed appreciation to the good people of Ondo State for their unwavering support and prayers during his medical vacation. He issued a personal press statement, expressing his gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the good people of Ondo State, and other distinguished Nigerians.

“Just last week, the Governor instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands & Housing to commence the permanent rehabilitation of the Akure-Owena-Ondo Road. This action was taken to prevent unnecessary hardship and loss of lives on the federal highways located within Ondo State territory.

“To alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the state government, through the palliative committee led by the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, is actively distributing palliatives to the state’s residents. Moreover, the state’s free school shuttle buses have resumed operations, providing transportation for children to school. Civil servants are also benefiting from special transportation arrangements to and from work.

“Significant progress is being made in the construction of the ultra-modern University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure. Furthermore, the government ensures the prompt payment of workers’ salaries as and when due.

“The government is not only functional but also actively advancing the state’s development. The location of the Governor, therefore, should not be sensationalized, but rather, the focus should be on the tangible progress being made in the state.”