‘Forgive Me’, Ondo deputy gov begs Akeredolu

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor of Ondo State, has apologised to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, over the current political crisis in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who tendered the apology while addressing journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday, also pledged his unwavering loyalty to Akeredolu.

The deputy governor also lamented the embarrassment and discomfort the governor had faced due to the negative news in the state in the last few months of his absence from the state.

“It is in reference to the above that I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to Mr Governor and the good people of Ondo state, and I assure that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance and in good health by the grace of God,” Aiyedatiwa said.

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He appreciated the governor for also beckoning on members of the state house of assembly to embrace the “political solution” suggested by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in resolving the impeachment move against him.

He added that there was a need to also calm all nerves to restore peace and tranquility to the Sunshine State.

“I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of an impeachment move against me.

“Our beloved state has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor, which gave rise to misunderstandings, misconceptions, assumptions, and insinuations, and exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.

“The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned,” he added.

While denying all the allegations being peddled against him “by those desperate to get rid of him from government ahead of the next election”, the Ondo deputy governor said he will continue to maintain decorum “in the face of those false and baseless accusations”.

“We have continued to read all sorts of lies against my person in the media. None of it is true. There has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself and I have never undermined Mr. Governor. This is a fabricated crisis just for the purpose of election.

“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous and selfless leadership”, Aiyedatiwa said.