Ondo Exco Members Pass Confidence Vote in Akeredolu

*Two commissioners fail to append signatures

*Say it’s work of desperate politicians

Fidelis David in Akure

Members of the Ondo State executive council have passed vote of confidence in Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, expressing faith in his ability and capability to continue to lead the state.
But two of the Commissioners, Razak Obe of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources, and Commissioner for Commerce Industry and Cooperatives, Samson Sowore, did not append signatures against their names.

This, however, came amidst protest by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demanding to know the whereabouts of Governor Akeredolu, who returned to the country on September 7 after his three months medical leave in Germany and had since remained in Ibadan, where he landed.
In a statement jointly signed by the state executive council and other political appointees, the EXCO unanimously declared their unflinching trust in Akeredolu and endorsed his impactful leadership.

In the document, out of 35 cabinet members, 33 signed while the two others failed to append their signatures.
“In fulfillment of our dedicated responsibilities to advance the programmes and policies of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration, encapsulated in the REDEEMED agenda, aimed at enhancing the lives of the people and fostering development across the state, we proudly commend the people’s governor for the unprecedented progress under his leadership.

“As members of the State Executive Council, we have imbibed the principles of good governance, integrity, and commitment from the very best – Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. The courage and exemplary leadership consistently displayed by Mr. Governor continue to motivate and inspire us to fulfill our duties

“Without hesitation, Mr. Governor is a blessing to the good people of Ondo State. His leadership has been rewarding and inspirational. Governor Akeredolu is not only a worthy leader but also a national asset, who passionately pursues the welfare of the country. This patriotic leadership is characterised by unwavering courage in leading the people of the Sunshine State towards prosperity and progress.

“As Mr. Governor’s foot soldiers, we take immense pride in being under his leadership Witnessing his dedication, sleepless nights, and commitment to protecting and serving the people of the state, despite numerous challenges in the past, is truly admirable. His leadership embodies compassion, vision, and commitment to development, progress, and peace.”

But the two commissioners refused to append signatures against their names.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Samson Sowore, said the move was the work of desperate politicians in the state in order to create crisis.

“The vote passed by the members of the cabinet in the state in a situation like this does not count, because in the first place, we are the appointees of Mr. Governor. We can’t even say that we don’t have confidence in him.
“Anybody that doesn’t have confidence in his government have to resign, so by pushing vote of confidence as far as I’m concerned, it does not make sense, we don’t have power to remove the governor as members of the cabinet.

“So, passing vote of confidence on Governor in the first place does not add anything to Mr. Governor. So, it is the work of those desperate politicians in the state in order to create crisis when there is no crisis.”
Commissioner for Energy and Minerals Resources, Razak Obe, said, “I’m in Lagos as I speak to you, I left Akure yesterday to attend a conference and I communicated that to the Chief of Staff before I left.

“So later they were asking for my signature to be appended on a document, they called it vote of confidence and I asked if anyone share a copy with me so that I will know the content before appending my signature.

“No executive meeting was held, nothing like that. So I was careful dropping my signature on a document that I didn’t know anything about.”