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Gov Akeredolu Rejects Apology By Deputy, Counsels Him To Take Plea To House Of Assembly

October 26, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has replied to the apology tendered to him by his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over the strained relationship between them, saying it was misplaced and urged him to take his plea to the House of Assembly.

A statement by Doyin Odebowale, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, explained that the Governor, does not meddle in the affairs of the House of Assembly as subtly suggested at the press conference.

“There has never been any time when the Governor ‘persuaded’ the ‘distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered’ by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of an impeachment move against the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The Governor, a Senior Advocate of over two decades, possesses a deep understanding of constitutional democracy.”

The statement: “Our attention has just been drawn to the press conference addressed by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, this afternoon, the 26th day of October, 2023, and we hasten to make clarifications as regards certain assertions contained therein.

“While Mr Governor may not be averse to embracing, cautiously, any seeming overtures impelled by genuine contriteness, making the following clarifications become pertinent.

“The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, does not meddle in the affairs of the House of Assembly of Ondo State, as subtly suggested at the press conference.

There has never been any time when the Governor “persuaded” the “distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered” by the All Progressives Congress (APC), “in the face of an impeachment move against” the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The Governor, a Senior Advocate of over two decades, possesses a deep understanding of constitutional democracy. Any snide suggestion of meddlesomeness in the business of the second arm of government by the Governor is repudiated with vehemence. Mr Governor cannot descend too low.

“It is interesting to read that the Deputy Governor also distanced himself from all groups and platforms notorious for maligning the Governor, members of his family and all those perceived as his close allies and supporters, in recent times.

“More instructive is the unfortunate reference made to “a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr Governor, which gave rise to misunderstandings, misconceptions, assumptions, and insinuations, and exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.

“The good people of Ondo State are too discerning to be hoodwinked with dissembling equivocation. Keen observers of events, as they have been unfolding in the State, cannot miss the import of the malicious intents, insensitive posturing and diabolical projections of the last six months in the Government of the Sunshine State.

“The major sponsors of these acts of subterfuge should be ashamed of themselves. The very suggestion that these brazen and shameless acts of moral turpitude happened without the knowledge of the projected, most prominent beneficiary and active enabler of this disgrace, should make meaning to those who towed this path of infamy.

“The best respect that all elected and appointed officials of the Government can display to the people should find expression in the unconditional reverence for the institution which represents them.

“The Deputy Governor referred to the allegations of malfeasance levelled against him by the House of Assembly as “all sorts of lies against my person in the media”. It is only decent that we advise him to take this defence to the same House of Assembly which came up with 14 allegations of gross misconduct against him. This is the only course of honour at this moment.”

Supreme Court Verdict: Fmr President Buhari Charges Opposition To Allow Nigerians Enjoy Tinubu’s Government

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Former President Muhammadu Buhari described Supreme Court verdict which affirmed election of President Bola Tinubu as a reaffirmation of the will of the majority of the people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority.

A statement by Garba Shehu, spokesman of the former president congratulated President Tinubu on the verdict of the Supreme Court. He wished the president and his team a successful term in office.

Buhari noted that the decision to dismiss the appeals by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), by the Supreme Court, is a welcome relief to him and to a majority of the citizens of Nigeria.

“Now that we have arrived at the last bus stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break.

“The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima @OfficialAPCNg government.

“Let them allow the Government to run their administration and the people to enjoy the full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.”

The former president also expressed concern over low voting percentages all over the country, especially in urban areas, and said this should change, given the acceptance and vibrancy of democracy in Nigeria.

In his congratulatory Message, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described the triumph of the President at the apex court as “the ultimate judicial stamp on the landslide victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer at the 2023 presidential poll held on February 25, 2023.”

He described the decision of the Supreme Court validating President Tinubu’s win as victory for democracy, the rule of law and a landmark judgement in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence that has become a reference point for generations to come.”

In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji, described the latest judicial victory of President Tinubu as the confirmation of the electoral wishes of the majority of Nigerians who massively voted the APC as the party of their choice.

Governor Oyebanji said the victory has laid to rest all doubts and controversies raised by the opposition about the presidential election.

He advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Mr. Peter Obi and the presidential candidates of other political parties to join hands with President Tinubu to move the country forward politically, economically and socially in the interest of Nigerians.

He also advised the candidates and parties whose petitions and appeals were not successful at the courts to accept the hand of fellowship earlier extended to them by President Tinubu since there must be an end to litigation after the electorate had spoken with their votes.

Uzodimma Congratulates Tinubu On Triumph At Supreme Court

The Source

October 26, 2023

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court which, Thursday, ruled that the President was validly elected by Nigerians.

Governor Uzodimma believes the Supreme Court ruling is a revalidation of the trust millions of Nigerians reposed in President Tinubu when they turned out en mass to cast their ballot for him in February 25, 2023.

The Governor in a statement he personally wrote after the Supreme Court vadict, said: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his triumphant victory at the Supreme Court, securing his presidency in the recent general elections.

“I commend President Tinubu’s proactive measures in stirring the economy of our dear nation. Despite interim difficulties experienced by the people, Mr. President’s policies are designed to offer greater economic advantage on a long term basis. His dedication to national development is evident and we are confident in his ability to lead our great nation towards a brighter future.

“As a State, we are ready and committed to working hand in hand with Mr. President on this national assignment. Together, we can achieve progress, unity and prosperity for our beloved country. We look forward to the collaborative efforts that will bring about positive change and growth on a national scale.

“Once again, congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and may his tenure be marked by success and progress for all Nigerians.”

Allow Nigerians Enjoy APC Promises, Buhari Tells Atiku, Obi After Supreme Court’s Verdict

James Orji

October 26, 2023

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to accept the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former leader under whose watch the February 25, 2023, presidential election was conducted, said this is necessary so that Nigerians can enjoy the ” full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.”

President Tinubu’s victory was on Thursday affirmed by a seven-man panel of the nation’s highest court.

The former president spoke after the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, said it was disappointed with the apex court verdict on the petitions filed by its candidate, Atiku and Obi.

Buhari’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu today.

Hailing the supreme court judgment, Buhari said it’s in line with the views of majority of Nigerians who voted for Tinubu to be president, describing the verdict as the “reaffirmation of the will of the majority of the people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority.”

Buhari said, “Now that we have arrived at the last bus stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break. The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima government.

“Let them allow the government to run their administration and the people to enjoy the full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.”

Live Account Of How The Supreme Court Dismissed Atiku’s Appeal Challenging President Tinubu’s Presidential Victory

The Source

October 26, 2023

9:20 a.m.: Members of the Supreme Court panel led by Chairman Justice John Okoro file into the courtroom.

9:22 a.m.: Registrar calls, PDP Candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s appeal.

Atiku Abubakar’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), announces their appearance.

9:25 a.m: Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN) announces appearance for INEC.

09:26 a.m. A lawyer, Akintola Makinde, from the law firm of Wole Olanipekun (SAN), announces an appearance for President Bola Tinubu.

09: 29 a.m.: A lawyer, Olumide Olujinmi, announces appearance for APC.

09:30 a.m.: The Presiding Justice of the Panel, John Okoro, begins reading the lead judgment on Atiku’s appeal.

*9:33 a.m.: Mr Okoro gives a background to the appeal.

9.35 a.m.:The Justice recaps the issues that came up at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja.

The issues include alleged electoral fraud, President Tinubu’s non-qualification, and non-compliance of the conduct of the disputed election with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

9:38 a.m.: Justice Okoro said on 18 September, Atiku filed a notice of appeal with 35 grounds of appeal, while on 7th October, the respondents filed their reply.

9.39 a.m.: The Court is now dealing with the application by Atiku to file additional evidence – the deposition of an official of the Chicago State University.

One of Atiku’s grounds for challenging Tinubu’s appeal was that the President was not qualified to run for office on account of forged academic records.

9:42 a.m.: Justice Okoro recounts Atiku’s legal battle in the US to obtain Tinubu’s academic records from the CSU.

9.47 a.m.: The Justice finishes highlighting the 20 grounds on which Atiku anchored the application.

Justice Okoro says Mr Tinubu filed an 11-paragraph counter-affidavit to Atiku’s application to tender fresh evidence against the president.

President Bola Tinubu’s lead lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, filed a written address against Atiku’s move to bring in new evidence before the Supreme Court against Mr Tinubu.

9.52 a.m.: Mr Okoro says the pivotal question to ask is whether Nigerian laws allow this Court to receive and act on this document at this stage.

9:54 a.m:n Justice Okoro recalls Chris Uche (SAN), Atiku’s law document regarding the difficulty in obtaining Mr. Tinubu’s academic records from the Chicago State University.

INEC’s lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, argues that allegations of forgery are criminal in nature, to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. This appeal being ii on election matter, the implication is that all evidence ought to have been adduced at the trial court and jujudgment delivered within 180 days, Justice Okoro recalled.

10: 01: am Justice Okoro said, Mr Olanipekun argued that the Supreme Court lacked the power to consider Atiku’s fresh evidence against Mr Tinubu.

The failure to invite the APC and INEC to participate in the Court proceedings in the US aimed at obtaining Mr. Tinubu’s academic records from CSU renders the fresh evidence inadmissible, Mr Olanipekun argued in the court’s decision being read by Mr Okoro.

Justice Okoro recalled Mr. O.lanipekun’s argument instead of Mr. R. T.inubu.

10.05 a.m.: Justice Okoro begins reviewing arguments on the issue of fresh evidence tendered by Atiku.

He decides on the issue from the point of whether or not the court has jurisdiction to accept the new evidence.

The jurisdiction of the court is at the foundation of adjudication, the Justice said.

Jurisdiction clothes the court the power to determine cases, he says.

10.08 a.m.: Justice Okoro says jurisdiction is the fulcrum upon which every court decision is based.

Justice Okoro says, it must be emphasized that it is trite that election proceedings are their unique class.

This court has to take into account the peculiarity of this case.

I have carefully perused the record of Appeal, he says.

He said Atiku filed the appeal on the last day of the time frame allowed to appeal.

The 180 days prescribed by the law lapsed on 17th September, Justice Okoro noted.

10.11 a.m.: Justice Okoro recalled an earlier decision of the Supreme Court which said, “In the circumstance of this case, this court cannot activate section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to admit fresh evidence.”

The application runs foul of 14 of the Evidence Act.

10.15 a.m.: “I still wonder how the apappellant intend to use the document in this proceeding,” says Mr O.koro.

The petitioner shall not be allowed to amend their petition after the 21 days allowed by law, the Justice says.

Citing Section 182 of the Electoral Act, Justice Okoro said, “Atiku failed to apply to the Court to amend his petition to bring the fresh evidence” against Mr T.inubu.

10.18 a.m.: It is shocking to have Atiku’s lawyer argue in print that there is no statutory time limit of 180 days for the lower court to decide a presidential election petition.

10.19 a.m. It will be unfortunate to go back to the dark old days when election petitions could be heard up to the point of expiration of the tenure of the person whose election was being challenged, Justice Okoro says of Atiku’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence to extend the time to adjudicate the case. Consequently since the Presidential Election court has no jurisdiction to entertain fresh evidence, the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence, Justice Okoro says.

119.20 a.m. “It has to be noted that the 180 days imposed is immutable and cannot be extended,” Justice Okoro said.

10.23 a.m: “The jurisdiction of this court is donated by the Constitution.

One wonders what Atiku intends to do when none of his grounds of appeal is hinged on forgery of the certificate against Mr .Tinubu.

“Finally, on this application, fresh evidence is not received as a matter of cause.”

10.26 a.m.: “Atiku failed to convince the Supreme Court why he waited until the PEPC concluded the appellant’s suit and lost jurisdiction before attempting to tender the document.”

10.29 a.m. The court dismissed Atiku’s application to tender fresh evidence.

10.30 a.m.: The court is now set to deal with the merit of the substantive appeal.

11:27 a.m.: “Success or failure in an election depends on votes, Okoro says, restating the decision of the Presidential Election Petition.

11:29: a.m.: “I have earlier resolved the issue of transmission of results which is the main thrust of the appellant’s case, he adds.

“In this appeal, the issue before us is not about the candidate who scored he majority

“I am unable to find any figure put forward by Atiku that he scored the majority votes, other than the figures declared by INEC declaring the second respondent (Tinubu) winner of the election.

11:23 a.m.: “The votes before us show that the second respondent Tinubu won the election, Justice Okoro says.

11:33 a.m.: Finally, on the issue of the of disparaging words by the lower court on the appellant.

“The words of the court were not meant to disparage the appellant”, he says.

11:35 a.m.: Having resolved all the issues against the appellant there is no merit in this appeal.

The judgment of the lower court delivered on 6 September declaring Tinubu president is hereby affirmed, Justice Okoro says.

Tinubu Affirmation Judicial Enthronement Of Criminality- Ezekwesili

James Orji

October 26, 2023

Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education has faulted the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The apex court, on Thursday, dismissed the petitions filed by Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, for lack of merit.

The judgment, which threw away the petitioners appeal against an earlier judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on September 6, 2023, was a unanimous one by the seven-man panel led by Justice John Okoro.

In a cryptic reaction however, Ezekwesili described the judiciary in her official X handle as the “true definition of a criminal gang.”

The former minister said Nigerians are helpless in the face of “judicial Enthronement of Criminality,” consoling Nigerians that falsehood does not last forever.

She stated: “Now we all know the true definition of a Criminal Enterprise Gang.

“Some would ask, “Where’s now the hope?” because, what else can Citizens who seek a Good Society now do in the light of judicial enthronement of Criminality as an official Norm?

“Well, take heart in this fact. History shows that every Criminal Enterprise carries the seed of its eventual deconstruction.

“All. The. Time.

“So, do not be deceived.

“Nature abhors dishonest gain and knows how to deal with it from the inside.”

Ezekwesili is not a lawyer.

Supreme Court’s Decision Against Constitution; Nigerians Disappointed- PDP

James Orji

October 26, 2023

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has reacted to Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment filed by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The apex court today affirmed the election of Tinubu barely two months after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal validated his election on September 6, 2023.

Reacting to the judgment, the PDP, in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the facts of the case were sacrificed on the altar of technicalities.

The party said it is “appalled” that the Supreme Court could affirm Tinubu as president despite evidenced before it, adding that to the expectations of Nigerians in the apex court as the last hope of the common man has been thoroughly dashed.

Below is PDP full statement:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Supreme Court in the petition filed by the PDP and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar against the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winners of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are alarmed, disappointed and gravely concerned with the reasoning of the Supreme Court which the PDP believes is against the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, the Guideline and Regulation issued by INEC under which the election was conducted.

The PDP asserts that it is indeed a sad commentary for our democracy that the Supreme Court failed to uphold the provisions of the law. Instead, it trashed the expectation of majority of Nigerians who looked up to it as a Temple of Impartiality to deliver substantial justice in the matter having regards to the laws and facts of the case.

Nigerians earnestly expected the Supreme Court to uphold and defend the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution in terms of qualification and minimum requirement for a winner to be declared in a Presidential election in Nigeria especially with regards to the required statutory 25% of votes in the FCT as well as issues of violation of electoral Rules and Guidelines, brazen manipulations and alterations of election results by the APC.

Nigerians are still at a loss as to how the Supreme Court condoned the serious issues of forgery, falsehood and perjury on the altar of technicalities.

The general gloom, melancholy and sense of despondency across the country upon the delivery of the judgment is an ominous sign of eerie situation which portend grave consequences because of the disappointment embedded in the judgment.

This judgment by the Supreme Court has evidently shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man.

The PDP remains undeterred and charges Nigerians not to be discouraged or allow the judgment to detract from their collective quest for the entrenchment of a credible electoral system that can guarantee a government that truly derive its legitimacy from the people.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary”

Tinubu Welcomes Supreme Court Judgement, Promises To Work Day, Night, To Meet People’s Expectations

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has reacted to affirmation of his victory in February election by the Supreme Court saying it’s a consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement he personally signed, the president maintained that the judgement confirmed his trust in the judiciary, stressing that

“I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times.

“I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.

“There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.

“While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment.

“This is because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times.

“Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.

“It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.

“With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.

“The victory of today has further energized and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.

“Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.

“We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together.

“The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.

“In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.

“I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.

“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Obi’s Appeal Against Tinubu’s Victory, Dismissed Within Five Minutes By The Supreme Court

The Source

October 26, 2023

By Gideon Njoku

It took only about five minutes for the Supreme Court of Nigeria to dismiss the appeal filed by the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, against the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, on September 6, 2023, which affirmed the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, as Nigeria’s duly elected President.

Justice John Okoro, Chairman of the seven-man Panel of Supreme Court Justices, who read the lead judgement, said the Court had already taken care of all the issues raised by Obi in its ruling, earlier in the day, on Atiku Abubakar’s case.

Both Obi and Atiku had appealed to the Supreme Court after they lost their cases against Tinubu at the PEPC.

In his ruling, Okoro who had earlier dismissed Atiku’s case said that the only issue in Obi’s case, not taken care of by the Supreme Court in Atiku’s case, was the issue concerning the nomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Even then, Okoro noted that the Shettima issue had been, earlier, taken care of, and resolved in favour of the Vice President on May 9, 2023, in a case brought by the PDP against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and three others. “You were already aware of that judgement”, he submitted.

Okoro, short of calling it an abuse of Court process, and a waste of time, wondered why Obi brought the issue back again.

INEC had declared Tinubu the duly elected President after the close hotly contested February 25th 2023 Presidential Election. Atiku and Obi, who, according to INEC, took the second and third positions respectively, rejected the results and Tinubu’s victory, and proceeded to Court.

The Supreme Court judgements of Thursday, October 26, 2023, dismissing their cases as without merit, has put a seal on the legal processes.

Ondo: Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa Apologizes To Gov Akeredolu, Blames Political Gladiators

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The cold war between the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu may soon end as the Deputy Governor is seeking truce.

Aiyedatiwa on Thursday tendered an apology to the State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the political crisis in the State, occasioned by the infighting.

Aiyedatiwa, who spoke to journalists in Akure lamented the embarrassment and discomfort the Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the State in the last few months.

Pledging his loyalty to the Governor and commitment to the development of the State, the Deputy Governor said there was the need to calm all nerves in order to restore peace and tranquillity to the Sunshine State.

“I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of an impeachment move against me.

“Our beloved State has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor, which gave rise to misunderstandings, misconceptions, assumptions, and insinuations, and exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial 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 in reference to the above that I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to Mr. Governor and the good people of Ondo state, and I assure that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance and in good health by the grace of God.

“We have continued to read all sorts of lies against my person in the media. None of it is true. There has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself and I have never undermined Mr. Governor. This is a fabricated crisis just for the purpose of election.

“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.”

Aiyedatiwa also distanced himself from groups and individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign, stressing that he has never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such campaigns.

“I have a lot of respect for the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council and I do not hold any grudge.

“I want to appeal to all the political actors in the State to allow peace so we can all concentrate on the development of our dear State.”

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