Embattled Ondo State deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, tendered an apology to his principal, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the embarrassment and discomfort that the Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the State as a result of the events of the last few months.
Aiyedatiwa, who made the plea while speaking to journalists in his office in Akure, the State capital, noted that the plea became necessary to ensure that the present administration concentrate on the development of the Sunshine State.
The Deputy Governor, who said that there had never been any issue between him and Governor Akeredolu, disclosed that some political actors have only taken advantage of the governor’s absence to create a non-existent crisis between him and his principal for their own selfish interests.
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According to him, “Our beloved State has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor which gave rise to a lot of assumptions, falsehoods, insinuations, misunderstandings, misconceptions, and exploitation by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.”
While distancing himself from any group or individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign, Aiyedatiwa said, “I have never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such protest or campaign.”
He stated, “Let me begin by thanking my principal, Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who provided me with this platform to serve as the deputy governor of Ondo State. I must say it has been a worthwhile experience for me to work with him for the benefit of the good people of our dear State.
“We have continued to read in the media, all sorts of lies fabricated to create crisis just for election. The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.
“It is, therefore, imperative for me to put on record that there has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself and I have never undermined him. Political actors have only taken advantage of his absence to create a non-existent crisis for their own selfish interests.
“Let me say it here that I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of the impeachment move.
“It is in reference to all of the above that I tender my unreserved apologies to Mr. Governor for the embarrassment and discomfort that the political chaos of these past months has caused him and the good people of Ondo State.
“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous and selfless leadership.
“I completely distance myself from any group or individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign. I have never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such protest or campaign.
“I wish to thank the national leadership of our great party, APC, for the intervention on the impeachment move against me while I also pledge my commitment to the reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.
“I have a lot of respect for the Speaker, members of the House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council, and I do not hold any grudge. We must all work together for the smooth running of government.
“I want to appeal to all political actors in the State to put an end to this needless crisis and allow peace so that we can all concentrate on the development of our dear State.”
