Sophia Michaels
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been asked to stick to the resolution reached during a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu over the political crisis in the state.
The call was made by the Ondo Progressives Network (OPN).
The group expressed concern on Monday over speculations that the deputy governor is collaborating with some members of the House of Assembly to assume the role of acting governor.
In a statement issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital, and signed by its publicity secretary, Ogunika Taiwo, OPN warned that any attempt by Aiyedatiwa to act contrary to the resolution would be deemed an act of subordination and blatant disrespect.
Taiwo asked the Aiyedatiwa to refrain from engaging in activities that could destabilise the administration and undermine the progress of Ondo State.
“Since the meeting held last Friday with our amiable and responsive President, Bola Tinubu, we have observed a growing trend of discontent and dissatisfaction within the camp of Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The activities of his personal aides and known and close allies have raised concerns over the total rejection of the stance of the President and other stakeholders who attended the Abuja meeting.”
The group further emphasised the importance of maintaining unity and adhering to the decisions made during the meeting with Tinubu.
It stressed the need for all members of the administration to work together towards the common goal of advancing the interests and development of Ondo State.
While reaffirming its confidence in the leadership of Tinubu, the group urged Aiyedatiwa to prioritise the welfare and progress of the state above personal ambitions and to desist from any actions that could undermine the unity of the administration.
“For us, we welcome the efforts of the President to bring peace and stability to our sunny state. The resolutions reached by the warring factions were laudable and impressive.
“It was an amicable compromise that would serve the interests of the people and allow governance to breathe eventually.
“However, we are saddened by the latest News and speculations of plots by the deputy governor in collaboration with some members of the House of Assembly to declare him acting governor against the resolutions reached in Abuja.
“We consider this an act of insubordination and gross disrespect to the office of the President. We would like to advise the deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa, to be guided in his ambitious drive and resist the lure of desperation and his insatiable quest for power.
“The agreement reached in Abuja would serve the interests of the people and the state. It is not out of place for the deputy governor to continue to function as deputy governor without forcefully taking over power in the state.
“We are privy to the fact that arrangements have been concluded to disobey the directive of the President and declare Aiyedatiwa as acting governor tomorrow.
“We don’t want to believe the rumour that money has exchanged hands, and some people want to justify their pay. Beyond personal sentiments, we must uphold the integrity and principles we are known for in Ondo State.”
“Let peace reign supreme in Ondo State. The deputy governor should also, as a matter of urgency, call his followers and allies to order. What else does Aiyedatiwa want?
“The President has stopped your impeachment. You have been guaranteed to stay till the end of the tenure. Why is he hell-bent on becoming acting governor?”
