Blames 2024 guber contenders for prevailing tensionActing Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on the people to pray for speedy recovery of his principal, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is currently on medical leave.
In a statement, Aiyedatiwa said the governor’s health is of utmost importance to the citizens.
Recall that Akeredolu handed over the reins of power to his deputy on Tuesday before embarking on a 21-day medical vacation abroad.
While urging politicians in the state to refrain from making statements or taking actions that could heat up the polity, especially in the absence of the governor, Aiyedatiwa maintained that the tension surrounding Akeredolu’s health is traceable to next year’s governorship election in Ondo.
He advised all political actors to allow the government focus on the task of governing the state, stressing that there is no vacuum in governance, as being insinuated in certain quarters.
The acting governor’s remarks came amid growing political tension in the state, as political actors jostle for positions in the build-up to next year’s governorship poll.
The reassurance that the governor is receiving adequate medical care is expected to calm nerves and instil confidence among the citizens.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, I note the concerns of our people about governance in Ondo State and all rumours and insinuations making the rounds in the state.
“Let me aver without mincing words that rumours about the disruption of government activities are misplaced and only arose as a result of impatience and a lack of proper understanding of the running of the machinery of government.
“In any case, such misrepresentations and apparently baseless allusions are to be expected when political gladiators, through their activities in the build-up to party primaries and gubernatorial elections in any state, try to heat up the polity. Ondo State cannot be an exception.”
“We, therefore, enjoin the good people of Ondo State and all friends of our dear Sunshine State not to relent in their prayers for Mr. Governor’s quick recovery, so that he can resume duty after his medical vacation and continue with his good works for the betterment of Ondo State in particular, and Nigeria at large.”
He added: “Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my boss, is a revered democrat, who has always demonstrated his respect for the Rule of Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).
“It should be recalled that, by his usual practice, he has always transmitted power to the Deputy Governor whenever he proceeds on an annual vacation. This is what he has again re-enacted by transmitting the power to proceed on a medical vacation. He is human, like all of us. Whenever the need arises, everyone finds time to rest and take care of their health when they are medically challenged.
“I cannot but enjoin the political class to be guided by good conscience in the pursuit of ambition in order to sustain the atmosphere of peace and unfettered development that we have been witnessing in our dear state in the last six years.
“Service to our people should, consequently, be the ultimate goal of our politics.
“The sustained welfare of our people, the success of our administration, and the victory of our great party in successive elections should, therefore, be our guiding principles. Our administration shall neither be deterred nor distracted.”
