Some concerns from leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have prompted an urgent call for members of the State House of Assembly to declare and empower the state Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the Acting Governor of the state.
This decision was part of the resolution reached by stakeholders who emphasized the necessity of filling the vacuum created by the absence of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, due to his health challenges.
According to the group, governance and the state’s economy have been adversely affected during the governor’s absence, describing the situation as the state being in auto-drive without the governor relinquishing power to his deputy.
Under the auspices of Progressive Stakeholders, the leaders called on the State House of Assembly to empower Aiyedatiwa to act as the state governor, given Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s continued absence, which has impacted the state’s economy.
They argued that this step would keep the state functioning while also seeking the intervention of President Bola Tinubu to halt the impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa and facilitate his installation as the acting governor.
In a communique released on Saturday and signed by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Afe Olowookere, Chairman, and former Secretary of APC in the State, Hon. Raman Rotimi, Secretary, the Progressive Stakeholders expressed a Vote Of No Confidence in the leadership of the party in the state.
The group stated that the leadership lacked the skill to pilot the affairs of the party, among other issues in the state.
The communique reads, “In view of the current happenings in the party ‘APC’ and the government of Ondo State, APC Leaders across the 18 Local Government areas of the State converged in Akure, the state capital, to discuss issues and find a practicable way forward from the present political impasse.
“The leaders, after exhaustive deliberations, arrived at the following resolutions: That, in view of the present arrangement where impunity and lack of respect for party structures, leaders, and elders is the order of the day, it was resolved that Party supremacy must be entrenched to facilitate inclusion and mutual respect.
“That, an inclusive developmental agenda for socio-economic, industrial, and cultural rebirth that will put the State in its rightful place should be designed by all parties and stakeholders to provide quality, sustainable economic and industrial development for the people.
“That, APC party members should be allowed to participate and determine those to be appointed or elected into political and party offices.
“That, Elders and Leaders of the party must be recognized and given their pride of place in the party, rather than being neglected and ostracised by the party.
“That, the prolonged absence of the Governor in the state has crippled the economy of the State and that the Deputy Governor Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa should be empowered by the House of Assembly to function as the Acting Governor in line with the constitutional provision.
“That, the system of writing names of party executives and candidates without due process will be objected and resisted with all political and legal means possible.”
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