The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has observed that the continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the State after his return from Medical leave is responsible for the current political crisis which is leading to the impeachment of the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Leaders of the group told journalists in Akure on Monday that “It is no longer news, that the last six months or thereabout, Ondo State has been facing leadership challenges due to the unfortunate ill health of the Governor of the State Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and as you may be aware as contained in the public domain that the health condition of Mr. Akeredolu led to his departure abroad for medical interventions.
“We should also remind ourselves, that it took the interventions of various stakeholders to prevail on Mr. Akeredolu to transmit power to his deputy Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in line with the 1999 constitution to act as the Governor of the state while he was to embark on medical trip outside the country.
“It is also important to state that throughout the period Mr. Akeredolu sojourn for medical trip abroad, governance in Ondo State became impossible as a result of individuals who constituted themselves into cabal and claimed to be defending the interest of the ailing governor and in the process, incapacitated the Acting Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa from acting as the governor of the state, a process that led to collapse of governance in Ondo State.
“While Mr. Akeredolu returned to the country, for over two weeks that he returned to Nigeria in controversial manner, he has not been sighted in the state rather, he has been hid somewhere in Ibadan by his cronies where he has been operating through proxies and thereby made governance in the state to be carried out in secrecy.
“Also, worthy of mention is the fact that since the return of Mr. Akeredolu and his refusal to resume at his official duty -post for the governance of the state, a situation that is causing serious apprehension in the state.
Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olabode maintained that “The location of the Governor isn’t hindering any form of development in the state. In fact, 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.
“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 town hall 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 emphasizing 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.”
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