Ondo Assembly Backs Tinubu’s Peace Deal, Says Aiyedatiwa Remains Deputy, Not Acting Governor

Fidelis David in Akure

The Ondo State House of Assembly has declared its support for the peace deal agreed with President Bola Tinubu by political stakeholders over the political crisis in the state, but insisted Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained deputy, and not acting governor.

President Tinubu had last Friday intervened to stop the political impasse in the state, which had trailed the ill-health of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his absence from the state and the impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa.

However, reading the resolutions agreed to with the President at the Abuja meeting to his colleagues at plenary, the Speaker, Ondo State House ofAssembly, Olamide Oladiji, explained Aiyedatiwa was not acting governor, but deputy governor.

Commending Tinubu and the Afenifere Leader, Pa Rueben Fasoranti for their interventions, he said, “Honestly, there can never be any iota of development in an atmosphere devoid of peace. It is my sincere hope that the good people of our darling Sunshine State will harvest more dividends of democracy and good governance within the ambit of this renewed peace in our darling State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me present to the good people of Ondo State, the resolution reached after the meeting of representatives of the Ondo State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council members, members of the National Assembly from Ondo State and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress with his Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leadership of our great party.

“That all parties shall embrace peace; that status quo be maintained by all parties; that all impeachment proceedings be terminated forthwith, and all court cases withdrawn by all parties; that there will no dissolution of the State Executive Council.

“That undated letter of resignation must be written, signed by the Deputy Governor and submitted to the President; that the party leadership and structures remain intact; that the House of Assembly leadership remains intact; that Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa continues to perform the functions of office as Deputy Governor.

“That three enforcers including the State chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the Speaker of the State of House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji Adesanmi, and Secretary to the State Government Princess Catharine Oladunni Odu were appointed to monitor compliance with the foregoing resolution.”

He urged those involved to sheathe their sword, bury the hatchet and think of better ways to accelerate the much-needed development of the Sunshine State in the interest of the people.

“Let me at this juncture warn politicians and other gladiators fanning the embers of war, in this state, because of their political interests to please tread softly as the House of Assembly will not hesitate to deploy the full weight of the law in calling them to order,” he said.