A group, under the auspices of Coalition of Civil Society Organisation for Democracy, has urged the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu to either resume his responsibilities or transfer power to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The coalition also argued that Akeredoku’s prolonged absence has raised major questions about governance functionality, effective decision-making, and administrative efficiency.
I’m hoping for a speedy recovery for him. During a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Chief Convener Tunji John Asaolu underlined that the aim of the writers of the Nigerian Constitution, as stated in Sections 189,190, and 191, is to avoid any form of vacuum.
“We issue this statement with a profound sense of responsibility and urgency regarding the prolonged absence of Governor Akeredolu. It has come to our attention that despite the governor’s return from overseas medical treatment, he is yet to resume his duties within the state for several weeks.
“Let it be on record that we, like many other good Nigerians, are praying fervently to God to fully restore Governor Akeredolu’s good health and show him mercy. We, however, think the governor’s protracted absence raises serious concerns about the functionality of governance, effective decision-making and administrative efficiency in our beloved state,” the group noted.
Reacting further, the coalition said: “The intent of the framers of our Constitution in sections 189,190 and 191 is to avoid any kind of vacuum. And these sections explicitly emphasise the necessity to avoid a vacuum in leadership.
“The prolonged absence of the governor creates a governance vacuum, thereby impeding the effective administration of Ondo State. Equally distressing is the apparent political interference by some persons not elected by the good people of Ondo state, preventing the Deputy Governor from fully discharging his constitutional duties in the absence of Governor Akeredolu.
“The people know their Governor and his Deputy, not a group of cabal or individuals constituting into “cabal. We condemn any attempts by political jobbers to sow discord between the governor and his deputy, as well as any endeavors to exploit the resulting power vacuum for personal gain.
“We remind all stakeholders that the constitution empowers the deputy governor to act in the governor’s absence. The political maneuvering preventing this is a violation of the very principles that underpin our democratic system. Ondo State deserves strong and unwavering leadership, especially in challenging times.
“Therefore, we call on all relevant authorities to urgently address this matter and ensure the seamless transition of governance to the Ondo Deputy Governor, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” the coalition ordered.
It further noted that; “the people of Ondo state deserve transparent and accountable leadership, and we will not stand idly by while political machinations jeopardize the well-being of this noble and well respected state.
“We urge Governor Akeredolu to prioritize the needs of the people and to resume his responsibilities without further delay or transfer power to his Deputy. Our state cannot afford to be without effective leadership, and we demand swift action to rectify this situation,” the chief convener quipped.