Lucky Aiyedatiwa, acting governor of Ondo State, has lamented the intrigues and leadership crisis that followed the ill health of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
In a statewide broadcast, on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa said the crisis of the last few months could have been avoided for the benefit of the state.
While admitting that the political crisis that had engulfed the state in recent time has challenged the love for the state and democracy, he urged everyone to forget the past, come together, and join hands with him.
He said, “Yesterday is already behind us. This is the time to carry aloft, with love and affection for one another, the laudable vision and mission of the governor for the state. I appeal to every member of the government
of Ondo State for your genuine support, cooperation, and dedication.
”We need a renewed unity to berth the significant and accelerated development clearly envisioned and vigorously pursued by Mr. Governor.
“My good people of Ondo state, what happened in the past was a temporary delay in our democratic journey. As a government, we have recovered.”
According to him, the political crisis delayed the progress of the state and affected the people, hence the need for all stakeholders to come together to work for the people.
“Also of paramount importance is the expectation of our people that we continue to deliver on the mandate given to Mr. Governor and my humble self. We must return quickly to the path of accelerated progress that has eluded the state in the last few months. We must excuse unnecessary distractions.”
“We can no longer be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We must stand together until the end. We must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary objective of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” he charged
Daily Trust reports that Akeredolu has not set foot in Ondo since June when he left for a three-month medical leave in Germany.
Following his return in September, the ailing governor stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, from where he attempted to direct the affairs of the state until the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and some other chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
After his return, Akeredolu also initiated moves to get his deputy impeached by the House of Assembly, with his loyalists openly describing Aiyedatiwa as disloyal to the ailing governor.
However, Tinubu summoned a meeting and directed Akeredolu to transfer to his deputy via an e-signed letter, as he was said to be too incapacitated to sign.
