Ondo: Group Kicks Against Use of State Assembly to Impeach Aiyedatiwa

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A group, African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF) has expressed  deep concern over the steps taken by the  Ondo state House of Assembly to impeach the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, based on allegations.

Recall that since the Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu came back from his medical leave, he had been at loggerhead with his deputy, which subsequently led to the move by the state Assembly to Impeach him.

However, on September 26, a Federal High court sitting in Abuja restrained the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, the Ondo Governor and indeed other defendants in the case from taking steps that would lead to the impeachment of the Deputy Governor.

However, addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman, Governing Board of AFRICSOF, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, kicked against the use of legislative chambers as platforms for political witch-hunts or targeted vendettas or war.

To this end, he called on all stakeholders involved to ensure that justice is pursued, while constitutional principles are adhered to, rather than allowing personal conflicts and ambitions to overshadow the pursuit of the common good.

His words: “We express our deep concern over the steps taken by the lawmakers to impeach the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, based on allegations.

”While we do not condone any form of misconduct or impeachment, but we firmly believe that impeachment proceedings must be conducted in stringent accordance with the law and clear constitutional provisions that govern the country, Nigeria.

“We strongly oppose the use of legislative chambers as platforms for political witch-hunts or targeted vendettas or wars. We urge all stakeholders involved to ensure that justice is pursued, and constitutional principles are adhered to, rather than allowing personal conflicts and ambitions to overshadow the pursuit of the common good.”

The group added that it was disheartening to witness the ongoing rift within the corridors of power in Ondo State, particularly between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa.

It added that such discord should not divert attention from the vital issues of good governance and the well-being of the state’s citizens.

The group stressed that the neglect of governance resulting from this political crisis has had a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ondo State.

It said: “Let it be clear – that AFRICSOF and the people of Ondo State will not give their approval to actions driven by sinister motives aimed at settling personal political scores and undermining the state and its people.

“We caution against retooling the Ondo State House of Assembly as a mere enforcement arm of executive whims. Any such actions will face steadfast resistance from the people.”