Ondo Acting Governor Restates Loyalty to Ailing Akeredolu

•Says he spoke with Akeredolu on Sunday

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday emphasized his loyalty to the state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), whose ill-health has continued to generate anxiety.

Akeredolu had on Monday forwarded a letter of extension of his medical leave to the State House of Assembly which he started on June 7, 2023 and directed his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to act as governor.

The Acting Governor, in a message to residents in the State, titled: “We Sue For Continued Loyalty, Support And Commitment To The Development Of Ondo State”, said  the orchestrated falsehoods, insinuations and negative write-ups, were meant to cause disharmony and disaffection within the polity.

The statement reads: “Once again, it has become imperative to address you, the good people of Ondo State and to appreciate you all for your consistent support and solidarity to the State Government, especially at this time.

“The attention of the State Government has been drawn to some orchestrated falsehoods, insinuations and negative write-ups, particularly in the print and social media with a view to causing disharmony and disaffection within the polity. These tactics of faceless writers and agent provocateurs, are intended to fan the embers of discord, tarnish the hard earned reputations of individuals in government circles and distract government attention in order to take political advantage in any manner to please their own selfish political whims and caprices.

“I like to urge the general public, to as usual, ignore these unfortunate lies and subterfuge as the antics of desperate political gladiators across political divides.  We assure you that we will not allow this to derail the focus and developmental policies of our administration which Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has consistently pursued in the last six and a half years.  

“Although, some of the commentators expressed genuine concerns as stakeholders based on the provisions of the Constitution.  Such constructive expressions are noted by the government.  This is not to say that we have been hitherto oblivious of the dictates of the law”, Aiyedatiwa stressed.

The Acting Governor who specifically said he spoke with the governor last Sunday noted that Akeredolu was in high spirit, recuperating and being expected back in office to continue with his laudable service to the State, as soon as he is certified medically fit by his doctors. 

“You are well aware of the message of Mr Governor to the people of Ondo State in which he thanked the people of Ondo State and other critical stakeholders for their support and loyalty to the State Government. Mr Governor appreciates your prayers and good wishes for himself and the State, across board. He is in high spirit, recuperating and being expected back in office to continue with his laudable service to the State, as soon as he is certified medically fit by his Doctors.  

“I have been in touch with him, the latest being on Sunday, 9th July, 2023, when he expressed appreciation to me and other State Executive Council Members for holding the fort while he is away.  I like to also join Mr Governor to express our profound appreciation to you all for your unending show of love, solidarity and prayers for the number one citizen of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who is always leading from the front and making life more meaningful to our people. We should remain in this attitude of prayers and solidarity for the good of ourselves, Mr Governor and the State at large”.

Aiyedatiwa also assured residents of the state that there was no lacuna in governance while other official activities are  running well in line with standard practices.

“Consequent upon the need to have more rest and in furtherance to his respect for and commitment to the rule of law, Mr Governor has transmitted power to my office as Acting Governor in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). We therefore assure the people of Ondo State that there is no gap in governance. 

“The government of Ondo State is on course, construction works are going on across the State and other official activities are also running well in line with standard practices. The security and welfare of the people being the primary constitutional mandate of government is enjoying top priority. The State Government will not at any time renege on this important obligation to the people. We urge you all to continue to be law-abiding, peaceful and endeavour to pursue your legitimate businesses and activities unhindered.

“It is important to reiterate to our people that the State Government is as well not oblivious of the hardship and inconveniences attendant to the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. Apart from the measures being contemplated by the State Government, our administration is also into collaboration with the Federal Government, through the National Economic Council, headed by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, GCON, with a view to birthing enduring palliative measures to remedy the excruciating effects of the policy, within available resources. 

“The State Government, organized labour leaders and critical segments of the State are collaborating well in this direction for the good of the public workers and the entire citizenry of Ondo State”.

The Acting Governor also empathized with  communities across the State on the recent effects of flooding occasioned by downpour. 

“We have not only visited some of the affected locations for on the spot assessment, Government is also taking positive steps towards providing palliatives to the victims. Besides, we have instructed the appropriate agencies and deployed equipment to embark on channelization at the State Capital and other affected Local Government Areas.

“We crave for more cooperation and support from the good people of the State as well as ask for more restraints and circumspections on the part of groups and individuals whose actions and unwarranted vituperations in social circles and the media are capable of robbing off negatively on the image of the State. We owe ourselves and the founding fathers of Ondo State a duty to stick to the path of honour and continue to pursue only those high ideals and virtues which promote the unity of purpose, decency and dignity for which our Sunshine State is widely respected at home and abroad”, Aiyedatiwa added.