BY TIMOTHY AGBOR
The acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has dismissed reports of his alleged plans to take advantage of the ill-health of his principal, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and unseat him.
Aiyedatiwa, in a statement he personally signed and made available on Tuesday, sued for continued loyalty to the government of the state under the leadership of Akeredolu, saying the reports against him were “unfortunate lies and subterfuge” and that they were antics of desperate political gladiators across political divides.
He also expressed commitment to the welfare and development of the state under his watch pending the return of Akeredolu after he might have been certified fit for resumption by his doctors.
Reacting to his purported underground plans to contest the 2024 governorship poll in the state, the acting governor said, “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.
“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.
“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,” he added.
He pledged continued loyalty to the state government and development of Ondo assuring the people that there would not be gap in governance.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
On the plans of the state government to provide palliatives to the people of the state to cushion harsh effects of the subsidy removal, Aiyedatiwa said, “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,” he added.
The acting governor said the state government has instructed the appropriate agencies and deployed equipment to embark on channelization at the state capital and other local government areas that were affected by flood recently.
